Status and perspectives of mangrove management in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Mangroves are ecosystems characteristic of intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. Rhizophora racemosa, Avicennia germinans and Conocarpus erectus are characteristic mangrove species found in Côte d'Ivoire. These mangroves could disappear without being fully studied due to the strong anthropic pressure. This study therefore proposes to establish a detailed cartography of the mangroves reported in Côte d'Ivoire and to model their potential distribution. Mangroves cover approximately 57.92 km², ie a linear coverage of 20.11% of the 540.14 km of coastline. The extent of these mangroves also decreased by 4.91 km² between 1996 and 2016. The maximum entropy model presents low-altitude coastal areas with high rainfall as well as average sunshine as favorable to mangroves. The particular ecological characteristic of mangroves as well as their particular mode of operation deserve to be taken into account in studies of flora in Côte d'Ivoire. It is therefore opportune to consider larger studies focusing specifically on the mangroves present in Ivory.