Involvement of local populations and their local knowledge

This study is an analysis of the problems related to the management of protected areas in Côte d''Ivoire. It focuses on the Azagny National Park whose area has increased from 30000 hectares at independence to 19400 hectares today. In order to understand the relationship between this forest retreat human activities and biodiversity conservation this study was initiated in the Azagny National Park and surrounding villages. Its main objective is to evaluate the level of relationship between the riparian populations and the Azagny National Park. To this end the study uses both a qualitative and quantitative approach to characterize the types of land use. This approach uses two tools including a questionnaire and an interview guide. The study reveals that the northern sector of Azagny National Park is under the greatest human pressure. It is under the influence of human activities and population densities in the area. This leads to risks of vulnerability of plant and animal diversity in this protected area.