Biodiversity Degradation Driven by Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Daoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

Cte d'Ivoire is recognized as one of the principal gold-producing countries in West Africa, where artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) constitutes the second most prevalent livelihood activity after agriculture, particularly within rural communities.As a result, high concentrations of ASGM activity have been recorded in 78% of the country's regions.In this context, the ecological impacts of ASGM on biodiversity in the Daoukro region were examined.A diachronic geospatial analysis was conducted using satellite imagery from 2010 to 2020, in conjunction with field-based spatial data collection and semi-structured interviews.The findings reveal that extensive environmental degradation has been driven by the unregulated techniques and substances employed in gold extraction processes, including the widespread use of mercury and cyanide.These practices have resulted in severe soil contamination, structural weakening due to erosion, and inhibited vegetative regeneration.Over the decade-long period, the proportion of bare soil increased at an annual growth rate of +7.90%, while forested areas declined markedly from 31,258 hectares to 24,750 hectares-representing a cumulative reduction of 20.34%.This deforestation has contributed to the disruption and loss of native biodiversity that relies on forest ecosystems for survival.Additionally, land fragmentation and habitat degradation have reduced ecological resilience, further intensifying species vulnerability in the region.These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable land management policies and biodiversity conservation strategies tailored to mitigate the ecological footprint of ASGM in Cte d'Ivoire.