Report: FCV Afforestation Camp 2025: Fondation Cœur Vert Expands Its Impact in Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮

Reforestation Camp 2025: The Green Heart Foundation Strengthens Its Impact in Ivory Coast

Every year, hundreds of volunteers gather under the West African sun with a common mission: to restore life where the desert is advancing. In 2025, the Green Heart Foundation (FCV) will launch its 20th International Reforestation Camp in Côte d'Ivoire , marking a new milestone in its long-standing commitment to ecosystem restoration, community empowerment, and youth education.

This initiative is part of the broader African vision of the Great Green Wall , a continental project supported by the African Union and the United Nations aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land in 11 countries.

In 2025, FCV will once again deliver local action with global impact.

35,000 trees, 250 volunteers — A shared mission

According to the announcement published in January 2025, the camp's objectives are clear: 🌱 35,000 new trees planted 👥 Approximately 250 international and local volunteers

The participants come from Europe, Asia and Africa, united by a spirit of service. They work alongside agronomists, local authorities and environmental experts: soil preparation, planting, restoration of degraded forest areas, ecological monitoring… The camp not only strengthens ecological resilience, but also human connections between cultures and nations.

Why Ivory Coast needs reforestation — The scientific data

According to the FAO and national forestry reports, Côte d'Ivoire has lost more than 80% of its forest cover since 1960 , one of the highest rates in the world. The consequences are numerous:

• Soil degradation and declining fertility

• Disruption of water resources

• Collapse of biodiversity (40% of West Africa's biodiversity was once found there)

• Increased climate vulnerability

• Migratory pressure in fragile agricultural areas

Studies by the IPCC and UNCCD show that planting native species restores soil fertility, increases water retention, reduces erosion and improves microclimates — essential levers to curb desertification and its socio-economic impacts.

A model that has proven itself for 20 years

The Green Heart Foundation's approach combines agroecology , environmental education , and community development . Its method is based on:

• the use of adapted local species ,

• agroforestry techniques ,

• soil revitalization ,

• education and leadership programs for youth ,

• local economic development .

The results of the previous camps are tangible:

✔ Increased vegetation cover

Confirmed by field analyses and satellite observations.

✔ Reduced erosion

Thanks to the stabilization of the soil by the roots.

✔ Improved agricultural yields

Directly benefiting farmers trained in agroecology.

✔ Growing youth engagement

Many participants then launch ecological activities in their cities in Europe or Africa.

Beyond the Trees: Transforming People

Scientific results matter — but FCV also places great importance on the human impact.

The volunteers report a profound transformation in:

• their relationship with nature,

• their sense of responsibility,

• their awareness of global climate issues,

• their desire to take local action after the camp.

The experience is often described as "transformative" and "foundational".

FCV Luxembourg and the international network

Cœur Vert Luxembourg plays a vital role in connecting volunteers, institutions, schools, and organizations across Europe. Partnerships are strengthening with:

• the ministries and municipalities,

• universities and research centers,

• NGOs,

• cultural and educational associations.

The shared goal: to restore ecosystems, strengthen communities and build a future where humans and nature thrive together.

Join the movement

The 2025 Reforestation Camp is not just an event: it is a lasting commitment to heal the planet tree by tree, person by person, community by community.

🌍 Every tree matters. Every action has an impact. Everyone can contribute.