Tona:The residents of Tona village in the commune of Kona convened on Friday, October 23, 2026, to deliberate on the expansion and delimitation of their village forest. The meeting aimed to enhance the protection of natural resources and avert potential land conflicts.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the session was chaired by Ali Sanou, President of the special delegation of the commune of Kona. It gathered local residents, customary authorities, and Water and Forestry Department officials to address the sustainable management challenges of local forest heritage.

The dialogue primarily focused on defining the forest's current boundaries, extending its perimeter, and establishing conditions for coordinated access to non-timber forest resources. Participants highlighted the necessity of preserving degraded forest areas, bolstering vegetation cover, and promoting biodiversity, all while considering local community needs.

Forestry officials underlined the importance of securing forest areas for sustainable resource management and praised the residents' dedication to preserving their environmental heritage. The PDS of Kona, Ali Sanou, emphasized the significance of a participatory approach in natural resource management, advocating for environmental protection through consultation to balance forest preservation with local interests.

Sanou stated, "The forest is a collective asset. Finding a clear consensus on its limits and extent is key to ensuring social peace and preserving our resources for future generations."

The participants reached a consensus on expanding the village forest, pending the completion of technical work for delimitation and boundary marking. They also agreed to form a local monitoring committee, including representatives from youth, women, traditional authorities, and the Water and Forestry Department. A field mission is planned to demarcate the agreed boundaries.

This consultation marks a significant step towards promoting community and sustainable management of forest resources in Tona, within the commune of Kona.