Dassioko Classified Forest: A Perspective from Above
The Dassioko Classified Forest is a place where nature and human effort come together in the fight against deforestation. Commissioned by Cargill, I had the opportunity to capture this landscape from the sky, documenting both its beauty and the challenges it faces.
Through my work, I explored the delicate balance between conservation and sustainable land use, highlighting the restoration efforts that are giving this forest a second chance.
Located on the Ivorian coastline, the Dassioko Classified Forest is a critical biodiversity hotspot. Like many forests in the region, it faces deforestation due to agriculture, logging, and land conversion. Yet, efforts are being made to reverse this trend. Through my lens, I captured the ongoing restoration projects, from large-scale reforestation to agroforestry systems that integrate tree planting with sustainable farming. These initiatives aim to restore degraded land while providing economic opportunities for local communities.
From above, the contrast between untouched forest, recovering land, and areas still under pressure becomes evident. The drone allowed me to showcase the patterns of regeneration—young trees reclaiming lost ground, farmers working within agroforestry plots, and conservation zones carefully managed to protect biodiversity. These visuals highlight both the challenges and successes of sustainable forest management.
