Environmental Preservation: Ivorian Jean-Louis Billon Joins the IUCN Patrons of Nature

Jean-Louis Billon, chairman of the boards of Saph and Sucrivoire, has been appointed as a Patron of Nature by the IUCN, becoming the first representative from West Africa to join this program. His appointment was announced on September 14, 2026, in Dunhuang, China. Billon advocates for the idea that economic growth and nature protection can be reconciled, emphasizing the importance of viewing nature as a heritage to be preserved. The Sifca group, of which he is a part, has also undertaken several environmental initiatives, preserving over 4,650 hectares of forests.