Conflicts related to the use of resources (water and land) as well as pressure on protected areas are significant in the cross-border regions between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Those regions are increasingly facing the negative effects of climate change, which further exacerbate competition for natural resources. There is therefore a major risk of protracted local and cross-border conflict, aggravated by the growing insecurity and the increasing flow of displaced persons.

Interpeace, with its local partner Indigo Côte d'Ivoire, has been running a peacebuilding initiative since January 2023 to promote the stabilisation and prevention of violent conflict through strengthening resilience, social cohesion and cross-border cooperation between cross-border communities of the two countries. The initiative started in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso, in the provinces of Comoé ( Niangoloko community) and Léraba ( Niankorodougou community). In Côte d'Ivoire, the Savanes district in the Tchologo region, specifically in the minimality of Ouangolodougou (Toumoukoro and Kaouara), was also targeted.

The project identifies, builds or rehabilitates, in a climate change-appropriate manner, social and economic infrastructure around which conflicts over natural resources arise, while providing corresponding services. This is supported by implementing measures and mechanisms to promote social cohesion, conflict prevention and resolution, particularly conflicts related to the use of natural resources. This approach helps ensure peaceful access to natural resources in the region and mitigate and reduce conflicts related to resource use and cohabitation within cross-border communities.