JVE Côte d’Ivoire

Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement Côte d’Ivoire (JVE Côte d’Ivoire), founded in 2008 in Abidjan, is committed to mobilising youth for environmental protection and sustainable development. The Congo Basin Programme helps Indigenous Peoples to defend their territories and rights, an essential element for human and ecosystem health. 

JVE Côte d’Ivoire promotes agroecology, sustainable agricultural practices that not only enhance food security but also preserve the country’s rich biodiversity. This includes training farmers in eco-friendly farming techniques, supporting organic agriculture, and encouraging the use of local resources to maintain soil fertility and crop diversity. 

The organisation’s climate change initiatives centre on educating the public about the impacts of climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate these. The team promote renewable energy, reforestation, and climate-resilient infrastructure, aiming to reduce the country’s carbon footprint while preparing communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.  

© JVE Côte d’Ivoire

Economic and social development is another key focus, particularly in rural areas. The team supports initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods, improve access to education and healthcare, and promote gender equality. Building capacity within these communities fosters social justice and helps to reduce poverty.  

Moreover, JVE Côte d’Ivoire is a strong advocate for community rights, ensuring that local populations have a say in the management of their natural resources.  This advocacy includes defending land rights, promoting fair resource distribution, and involving communities in decision-making processes related to environmental conservation.  

JVE Côte d’Ivoire not only enhances environmental stewardship but also builds a foundation for long-term sustainability and resilience. The organisation’s work is crucial in ensuring that environmental protection and social justice go hand in hand, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for Côte d’Ivoire. They also act as the fiscal sponsor of the “Informal Alliance against Industrial Plantations in West and Central Africa” which is a coalition of members, activists and organisations across the region. The Congo Basin Programme supports the alliance through the funding received by JVE Côte d’Ivoire. The main objective is to fight against corporate land grabs for large-scale plantations and defend food sovereignty.