National parks and biodiversity preservation
Benin's national parks (closed for security reasons in 2024) are part of the largest protected area in West Africa, the W-Arly - Pendjari (WAP) complex, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2018. It includes the majority of the country's forests, relics of ancient forests and biodiversity treasures. The W National Park, named after one of the shapes taken by the meandering Niger River on its territory, is a cross-border protected area shared with Niger and Burkina Faso. It is renowned for its megafauna (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo). However, it is not immune to human pressures, and poaching is still rife. Human-elephant conflicts also occur on the periphery of the park, to varying degrees. Programs exist to manage these conflicts, in which ecovolunteers can participate(www.ecobenin.org). Pendjari National Park is also home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The savannah ecosystems are home to cheetahs, symbols of the park. Ecotourism projects are also being developed in these areas, with the aim of reconciling the protection of the environment with the reception of visitors.
The botanical garden of the University of Abomey-Calavi preserves an important collection of medicinal plants, the basis of traditional medicine. It also contributes to the development of research and environmental awareness.
Multi-partner projects are also carried out throughout the region. Such is the case of the BIODEV2030 project, launched in the summer of 2021. Developed following a study to assess the state of biodiversity, this nationwide action program brings together public and private players, academics, representatives of civil society, technical and financial partners. The aim is to deploy actions in high-impact sectors identified during the study phase (agriculture, fishing, forestry, urbanization). This program is also being tested in 15 other countries. For further information, visit www.biodev2030.org
Facing deforestation
Deforestation is a major issue in Benin. Forests represent energy, food and medicinal resources. They are also sources of income and employment, through the export of precious woods (teak, gmelina), shea butter and other products derived from forest ecosystems. The country also boasts 3,000 sacred forests, which have a religious dimension for certain communities and are protected by law.
The country's deforestation rate, at 2.2%, remains high. Between 2005 and 2015, the forest lost 20% of its surface area. Deforestation is mainly linked to agriculture (slash-and-burn) and resource exploitation (timber, energy wood, cooking wood), but also to illegal logging, all in a context of demographic growth.
Mangroves are not immune to deforestation. These remarkable wetlands have suffered a worrying decline. In the last twenty years, they have lost 30% of their surface area. The destruction of these environments, which act as reservoirs of biodiversity, carbon sinks and protection against coastal erosion, is mainly due to coastal activities such as fishing and salt production. Open-air salt factories require abundant use of firewood.
In response to this situation, concrete action has been taken. The country has modified its forestry code and tax system. In 2016, mangrove and coconut cutting was banned, but the alarming deforestation continues. Mangrove restoration projects are being launched by associations and institutions, in partnership with the university. Sustainable plantation programs (teak) have been launched. A start-up, "charbon Eco-Sika", produces charcoal from plant waste, which has the virtue of both creating jobs and avoiding logging. Another of the country's many initiatives is a group of cassava-processing women who use a biodigester instead of a wood-burning stove, thus preserving both the resource and the women's health.
Issues related to urbanization
Land-use change, and more specifically urbanization, often carried out in an uncontrolled manner, is undermining biodiversity. Anthropogenic pressure is particularly strong on the country's coastline, where the majority of the population is concentrated. Urbanization leads to the fragmentation and degradation of natural environments (including mangroves), especially where wastewater and waste management is inadequate or non-existent. To counter this, regulations have been put in place (land code and municipal by-laws) to protect certain coastal areas. For example, a municipal by-law prohibits certain human activities and occupations around Lake Nokoué, even though in practice it is rarely respected.
Preventing pollution
The country has put in place concrete measures to reduce pollution, the consequences of which are not only environmental but also health-related. To combat air pollution in Cotonou, the ministry in charge of the environment has taken a whole series of measures, including a "polluter pays" operation, the deployment of public transport, training for drivers and mechanics, and air quality monitoring, all of which are said to have had beneficial effects (lowering of certain pollutants). In terms of waste management, changes are also taking place. The absence of a waste management system has led to open dumps that are regularly burnt. A project has started in 2019 to set up a solid waste management system (pre-collection, collection and landfill) combined with street cleaning operations. The aim is to collect 90% of waste in 5 towns in the Greater Nokoué area (Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Ouidah, Abomey-Calavi, Sèmè-Kpodji).
