Reviving sacred forests: celebrating ITTO's efforts in Benin on World Wetlands Day
02 February 2025, Yokohama
Polycarpe MASUPA

A scene of the Lokoli Sacred Forest, Commune of Zougbodomè (RAMSAR site 1018). Photo: ITTO
World Wetlands Day (February 2) is a moment to reflect on the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting local communities, and mitigating climate change. In celebration of this day, we highlight a remarkable conservation success story—the ITTO project, Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management of Sacred Forests on Ramsar Sites 1017 and 1018 in Benin [PD 754/14 Rev.3 (F)]. This initiative has not only safeguarded ecologically and culturally significant forests but also empowered local communities to preserve their heritage while improving their livelihoods through the implementation of appropriate activities based on ITTO's guidelines on environmental and social management, forest landscape restoration, and sustainable forest management practices.
Sacred forest conservation in Benin
Benin’s sacred forests hold profound spiritual significance for local communities. Beyond their cultural and ritual functions, these forests serve as critical refuges for biodiversity, providing sanctuary to rare plant and animal species, some of which are listed on the IUCN Red List. However, these forests face increasing threats due to encroachment, deforestation, and unsustainable land-use practices.Recognizing the urgent need for action, the project—funded by ITTO with generous contributions from the Government of Japan and the local NGO Ce.Sa.Re.N—was launched in April 2017. The initiative aimed to protect and sustainably manage 42 sacred forests within Ramsar Sites 1017 and 1018, covering areas across Littoral-Atlantique, Mono, Ouémé Plateau, Couffo, and Zou prefectures in southern Benin.

A global example of conservation success
Beyond the immediate achievements, the project laid the foundation for long-term sustainability by establishing legal frameworks to integrate sacred forests into municipal protected area systems, reinforcing the leadership of traditional authorities and local municipalities in conservation efforts, facilitating access to microfinance for sustainable livelihood projects, reducing the need for unsustainable resource exploitation, and encouraging continued monitoring and adaptive management of sacred forests, ensuring their resilience against future threats.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond Benin. It serves as a replicable model for integrating indigenous conservation practices with modern sustainable forest management. ITTO has documented the project’s success in publications, sharing lessons learned to inspire similar efforts worldwide.
Strengthening sacred forests for future generations
As we commemorate World Wetlands Day, this project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative conservation. Sacred forests are more than just ecological hotspots—they are cultural treasures and vital resources for local communities. By merging science, tradition, and community engagement, we can ensure their preservation for generations to come.
The success of this project highlights the importance of continued investment in wetland and forest conservation. As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, initiatives like these remind us that sustainable solutions are possible when communities, governments, and international organizations unite for a common cause.
To learn more about this project and similar initiatives, visit https://www.itto.int/project_search/.