WALEM – On May 21, 2024, the High Commissioner of Nahouri Province, Auguste Kinda, initiated a free campaign for issuing identification documents in the commune of Guiaro. This campaign targets eco-guards of the Pô-Nazinga-Sissili forest complex and vulnerable populations in the communes of Pô and Guiaro.
According to Burkina Information Agency, executive director of the NGO Guardian Angels of Nature (AGN), the initiative, in collaboration with the National Identification Office (ONI), aims to distribute over 500 Burkinabè National Identity Cards and 1,000 birth certificates to support the residents and internally displaced people in these areas. This effort is part of the “PONASI UE 2” and “Resilient Communities” projects, which are financially backed by the European Union and were launched in March 2023.
The campaign will not only provide necessary identification for the eco-guards but also facilitate access to essential services for the local communities by providing them with crucial personal documents. The professional cards for eco-guards are intended to aid in securing the forest areas and combating insecurity in the region. High Commissioner Kinda lauded the AGN for its proactive role in addressing the challenges faced by the local populations, particularly those displaced by various crises.
The initiative also includes technical support from the ONI and departmental courts, ensuring a robust implementation of the identification campaign. The PONASI UE 2 project focuses on reducing vulnerability within the forest complex, improving natural capital, and enhancing the resilience of local communities, while the Resilient Communities project aims to bolster social cohesion, economic activities, and establish social safety nets.