Banco National Park | Abidjan

Banco National Park (Parc National du Banco) is one of the few remaining primary tropical forests located within an urban setting in the world. Situated in the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, it is an ecological, cultural, and historical gem that holds immense national and international value. Below is a comprehensive look into the park's characteristics, importance, and current challenges.

1. Historical Background

Established: Officially declared a national park in 1953.

Origins: Initially preserved as a water catchment area during the colonial era, later recognized for its ecological importance.

Name Origin: The name “Banco” is derived from the Banco River which originates in the forest and supplies water to the city.

2. Size and Geography

Area: Approximately 3,438 hectares (34.38 square kilometers).

Location: Northwest of Abidjan's city center in the communes of Abobo, Adjamé, Attécoubé, and Yopougon.

Terrain: Dense rainforest with rolling hills, streams, and marshlands. The terrain includes tropical lowland forest, with some swampy areas and lateritic soil formations.

3. Ecological Importance

Flora:

Vegetation: Lush primary rainforest with large canopy trees, lianas, understory shrubs, and ferns.

Key Species:

Mahogany (Khaya spp.)

Avodiré (Turraeanthus africana)

Iroko (Milicia excelsa)

African teak (Pericopsis elata)

Arboretum: A scientific and educational space with over 800 tree species, many of them rare or endangered, from Africa and other tropical regions.

Fauna:

Mammals:

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona)

Duikers (small forest antelopes)

Genets, civets, and bushbucks

Birds:

Over 120 bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and turacos.

Several species are endemic or threatened.

Insects and Amphibians: Rich in butterfly and frog species, many of which are bioindicators of forest health.

Ecosystem Services:

Carbon Sink: Absorbs an estimated 90,000 tons of CO₂ per year, helping regulate the local climate.

Water Source: Supplies 40% of Abidjan's drinking water by filtering rainfall through its forest cover into underground aquifers.

Soil Protection: Prevents soil erosion and maintains the quality of surrounding agricultural land.

4. Cultural and Educational Role

Community Significance: The park is spiritually and culturally significant to local communities, often linked to ancestral beliefs and traditional medicine.

Environmental Education: Hosts school visits, guided tours, and programs aimed at raising environmental awareness among Ivorians, particularly the youth.

Historical Sites: Includes remnants of colonial-era structures and footpaths, showing the area’s longstanding significance.

5. Tourism and Accessibility

Activities:

Hiking trails ranging from beginner to advanced.

Guided nature walks with trained forest rangers.

Bird watching and photography.

Visits to the arboretum and botanical gardens.

Infrastructure: Paths, rest areas, and an eco-guard post. Some areas have limited facilities, prioritizing conservation over development.

Access: Entry is regulated; the park lies close to major roads and can be reached within minutes from central Abidjan.

6. Challenges

Urban Encroachment: Rapid expansion of Abidjan has led to illegal settlements at the park’s edges.

Poaching and Logging: Despite protection, illegal activities still occur, threatening both biodiversity and water security.

Pollution: Air and water pollution from surrounding urban areas can impact the park’s ecosystems.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns affect the health of the forest.

7. Conservation Measures

Boundary Wall: A reinforced wall (over 8 km long and 2.5 meters high) has been built around critical zones to prevent intrusion.

Monitoring and Surveillance: Use of eco-guards and surveillance technology to detect illegal activities.

Community Engagement: Programs aim to involve local communities in conservation efforts, providing alternative livelihoods and awareness training.

National Support: Managed by the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves (OIPR), supported by international conservation agencies.

8. Global Significance

Banco National Park is not just a local treasure but a global model for urban biodiversity conservation. Few other cities in the world host a full-scale tropical rainforest within city limits, making it a rare and invaluable asset in the fight against biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change.

Banco National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, scientific value, and ecological necessity. It continues to stand as a symbol of sustainable coexistence between urban life and nature in West Africa.