Koudougou: Actors from various organizations gathered to advocate for the legal recognition and conservation of sacred sites and forests at a public debate organized by the National Association of APACs of Burkina Faso (ASAPAC-BF) and the Nature and Development Association (NATUDEV). The event took place on Friday, November 15, 2024, in Koudougou, focusing on the protection of Indigenous and Community Heritage Areas and Territories (APACs).
According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative emphasized the importance of safeguarding community spaces such as village forests, sacred forests, community livestock areas, ponds, rivers, wildlife conservation areas, and Village Zones of Hunting Interest (ZOVIC). These areas form part of the Indigenous and Community Heritage Areas and Territories (APAC), which require legal recognition for their conservation.
During the debate, APAC member structures and associations explored the theme of ‘Legal recognition of the conservation of APACs in Burkina Faso’. Alexis
Kaboré, the chairman of the board of directors of NATUDEV, highlighted the primary goals of the debate. These included raising awareness about the approach, objectives, tools, and significance of APACs for Burkina Faso, often referred to as the country of “Men of integrity”. Additionally, the discussion addressed the difficulties and challenges associated with conserving these natural sites.