Green Spaces in Yamoussoukro Secondary Schools (Ivory Coast)

The Scientific High School and Mamie Adjoua High School, the only secondary schools in the city of Yamoussoukro, have green spaces, but with of different compositions of different plant species. This study enabled us to assess the plant diversity of these green spaces and to estimate the carbon stock of tree species. To achieve this objective, a floristic inventory was carried out and diameter measurements at breast height (dbh ≥ 2.5 cm) were taken on the trees in order to estimate the carbon stock from the calculated biomass. A total of 110 species were counted, with a higher number in the Mamie Adjoua High School. <i>Caryota mitis</i> is the most important species in terms of individuals. The carbon stock of green spaces in these schools is 39.71 t/ha, with the highest value going to the species <i>Delonix regia</i> at 14.15 t/ha. There is also a strong preference for exotic species. Control should therefore be exercised to prevent the intrusion and establishment of invasive exotic species, even if these species are remarkable for their diversity. This study also showed that the green spaces in schools help to reduce greenhouse gases by playing an air purifying role appreciated by students and administrative staff in the city of Yamoussoukro.