Community forestry in the Taï National Park

To try and overcome the problems of poaching and illegal logging, WWF has helped to establish community-managed areas of forest around Taï National Park.

11 Community forests established so far
While not very large, the eleven community forests set up so far are very important. 

Indeed, when a community owns and manages a forest there's much more incentive for them to make sure damaging activities don't occur. In addition, community forests play an important spiritual role, and some are even a sacred site during ritual ceremonies.

Identifying plants used in traditional bush medicine
In one of the community forests, WWF is working with a student to identify and record plants that can be used for traditional bush medicine.

This forest has many trees whose trunks have been partially scraped. Their bark has been used to prepare various medicinal potions by local communities.

Another project is set to start soon: beekeepers will be trained and hives installed at the forest's edge.