FROM PEACEKEEPING TO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, WHICH LINK CAN BE ESTABLISHED?
Chancesoro: Mr. Achille COMOE, you are the President of the NGO PLANETE PAIX, tell us what motivated the creation of your NGO?
Achille COMOE: First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my opinion on current issues of universal interest and of which the human being is the epicenter. Then, to answer you on the question to know what motivated the creation of our Organization, let’s say “PLANETA PAIX”, I will say simply, it is our firm and precise will to participate in an effective way to the advent of peace in our country but
, also everywhere in the world. The founding father of our young state died and with him peace that he yet established as the second religion in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire. Formerly peace that we cherished so much was suddenly, let’s say, brutally interrupted with the advent of a multiparty system. Multiparty system meant politics of the belly, spiritual poverty and selfishness. Ivorian politics has seen in the multiparty system and continues to see the expression of a sharing of cake where the cruelest or the smartest of them all, with a one-eyed or blinded people, who is only consulted as an object of politically lust from those conquistadors of power who fear neither God nor man; and ready to use any means to get into power. What is true for my country CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, is also true for most African countries. In such a context, we had to include our action among those promoting peace, yes peace, this divine perfume, this breath of life without which any form of life would disappear. This is what motivated the birth of PLANETE PAIX.
Chancesoro: From peacekeeping to environment protection, which link can be established?
Achille COMOE: Peace is and remains above all a transversal notion. Imagine an individual who suffers from complexes, especially from an inferiority complex; that one is not at peace with himself and with society. He may be led, if society does not help him, to shorten his life. He is at war with himself that could lead to his suicide. He does not have peace, he is not at peace. But, he is potentially at war with society. He could commit a crime. This is the reason why PLANETE PAIX places, the human person, taken as an individual, at the heart of his action too. In addition, when elements of Mother Nature are unleashed naturally or artificially, that is to say by Human action resulting in mass movements, damage to food and non-food, this can be a source of conflict. The environment is our first ally, our first friend, he is alive. When you attack him, he attacks you. When you declare war on him, he answers you with the weapons he has. And when you protect it, it protects you and even better, it ensures you a generous living environment by giving you everything you need for your survival. Peace and environment are intimately linked. This is why, environmental protection is included in point 11 of the commitment charter to the values, objectives and vision of our organization.
Chancesoro: Why did your organization and you freely participate in the project “My Country, My Beach” organized by the US Embassy in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire?
Achille COMOE: Our participation is self-evident. The protection of the environment is part of our mission. It is consubstantial with our vision. It forms a whole with our objectives. And it is inseparable from our values. Our participation in the project “My Country, My Beach” organized by US Embassy in CΓ΄te d’Ivoire is an act of good citizenship, a priesthood and that should involves each and everyone. In our area, It is an old chestnut which runs: “one shall take care of the house he lives in”. And if we consider the environment as our natural habitat, the question does not even arise, we shall protect it, we must cherish it, love it and show it our gratitude. In any case, it is with Love and with a great pleasure that we did participate.
Chancesoro: Today, with the accelerated degradation of the coasts and beaches of CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, what are the opportunities (opportunities and assets) that the country has to conserve and protect its coastline?
Achille COMOE: For me, the question is not luck. What are the concrete actions to be taken in this direction? That should be the right question in my opinion. Well, it takes human reflection, brain power but a concerted action. The existing legal framework needs to be strengthened. It is also a question of inviting all the experts in the field with funding in support, to conduct extensive studies on the subject, in order to achieve concrete results. CΓ΄te d’Ivoire, could finally be inspired by the model of Holland. She is very advanced in this area.
In conclusion, I would like, on my own behalf and on behalf of the NGO PLANETE PAIX, once again to express my thanks and to encourage you in your initiative to encourage each other to become aware of the need to protect our environment. .