Cooperation Project between the Ministry of Water and Forests of Côte d’Ivoire and the Loire-Brittany Water Agency

In Côte d’Ivoire, the legal framework for water resource management is defined by Law No. 2023-902 of November 23, 2023.

Population growth, agriculture, climate change, agro-industrial activities, mining, and gold panning are increasing pressure on water resources.

In this context, the Ministry of Water and Forests (MINEF) and the Loire-Brittany Water Agency have initiated an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) process in the Haut Bandama region, with support from the International Office for Water (OiEau). This basin was selected for an experimental IWRM development due to its unique status as the country’s only major hydrographic basin and the significant water management challenges it faces.

The cooperation project, launched in February 2021, is now in its third phase.

The first phase (2021 – mid-2022) focused on raising awareness among stakeholders and sharing information at both the national and watershed levels. Key efforts included establishing Côte d’Ivoire’s first Local Water Committee (CLE) in Haut Bandama—a platform for dialogue involving public authorities, local communities, and water users to support decision-making.

The second phase (mid-2022 – mid-2024) led to the organization of a preparatory meeting for the CLE’s creation and the definition of its first activities. In parallel, OiEau facilitated coordination between various water data managers and MINEF. Additionally, MINEF representatives participated in a study tour in the Loire-Brittany basin in February 2024.

Ongoing activities: from centralized IWRM to Local Water and Sanitation Committees (CLEA)

For the second experimental phase, MINEF aims to test a pilot Local Water and Sanitation Committee (CLEA) in a sub-basin facing existing or emerging water resource threats. As defined in Article 81 of the Water Code, this entity would bring together water users at a smaller scale than the initially planned CLE in Haut Bandama.

In parallel, OiEau will support the creation of a National Water Resources Agency.

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