Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) of a Small-Scale Tree Planting Initiative in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire has lost two-thirds of its forests to agriculture through deforestation over the past 30 years, exacerbating climate impacts and soil degradation. This has created a cycle of environmental deterioration, pushing farmers to clear more land for cultivation. To address this issue, the government introduced the Stratégie Nationale de Préservation, de Réhabilitation et d'Extension des Forêts in 2019, which aims to increase forest cover to at least 20% by 2030. Achieving this goal requires planting 3.48 million hectares (ha) of forest by 2030, equivalent to 348,000 ha of new trees annually, while also preserving existing tree cover. As part of this initiative, the One School, 5 Hectares of Forest program will plant 6,000 ha around schools.

This project aims to provide local flood protection, improve soil health, and educate communities about eco-citizenship. Additionally, agroforestry orchards will generate income for schools and women's cooperatives. Although each school's reforestation area is modest, the cumulative effect is substantial, with 2.4 million trees to be planted, potentially sequestering significant amounts of carbon.

In the context of the One School, 5 Hectares of Forest program, the SAVi assessment examines the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a 5-hectare reforestation project at the Collège moderne de Bougousso. It evaluates three scenarios: Nature-Based Infrastructure (NBI), which encompasses reforestation and agroforestry; Grey Infrastructure, which involves conventional drainage channels; and Business as Usual (BAU), where no action is taken. The assessment reveals that the reforestation project offers significant cost-effectiveness for the school, generating USD 7.50 in benefits for every USD 1.00 invested. These benefits stem from various sources, including revenue from agroforestry, carbon sequestration, and avoided flood damages.

NBI is more cost-effective than conventional drainage channels while providing the same level of flood protection, avoiding the need for expensive grey infrastructure. Moreover, the project generates USD 4,100 in additional income through agroforestry, which can contribute to the economic empowerment of women working in this sector.