In the biodiversity-rich Ivory Coast, ecologist and primatologist Inza Koné has dedicated his life to one goal: protecting the symbiotic relationship between primates, forests and the human communities that depend on them. From the time he was an eight-year-old boy and made a unique connection with a young captive baboon named Kouassi, Koné knew his destiny was tied to conservation. Today, as his country's first primatologist and one of the Rolex Laureates of the 2023 Initiative Awards, he is leading one of the most ambitious environmental missions in West Africa.
The heart of the Tanoé-Ehy jungle
What drew Koné to the Tanoé-Ehy rainforest was its extraordinary wealth of primates, including nine unique species. Chief among them is Miss Waldron's red colobus, a species that has not been seen scientifically since the 1970s and is considered by many to be extinct. This forest is not only a refuge for these animals; it is a living system that regulates the climate, disperses seeds and ensures the livelihood of local communities through fishing and agriculture. As Koné says, "the locals know that it is not enough to preserve the trees; they must also protect the animals".
Conserving the forest to save primates
The first step in protecting primates is to secure the future of the forest. From the Dassioko Sud ecological station, Koné leads research, creates biological corridors connecting fragmented habitats and works closely with communities to ensure sustainable livelihoods. His unique approach combines science, education and the ancestral wisdom of local villages to ensure that the forest remains a shared and protected resource.
Rolex support and the Perpetual Planet Initiative
Recognition as a Rolex Awards Laureate for the 2023 Initiative not only validates Koné's work, but also connects him to the Perpetual Planet Initiative, a global program that supports projects that address the environmental challenges of the 21st century. With this backing, his vision for the Tanoé-Ehy rainforest will have the support it needs to consolidate biological corridors, foster ecosystem regeneration and train a new generation of environmental stewards.
Inza Koné reminds us that conservation goes beyond protecting nature; it involves recognizing our dependence on it. Her work in Côte d'Ivoire is not only a tribute to the primates and the forest, but also a model for the world on how humans can coexist harmoniously with the environment that sustains them.
To learn more about Inza Koné's project and the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, visit Rolex Awards.
Green Inspiration is a series of articles developed by Local.mx to showcase relevant environmental projects. In collaboration with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, our goal is to raise awareness, inspire new generations and encourage good ideas that improve life on earth. Learn more about these Initiatives at rolex.org. #Rolex #PerpetualPlanet #RolexAwards #GreenInspiration.