Story
Benin
Conservation Efforts Lift People Out of Poverty in Benin with World Bank Support
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n Bamezoun, Benin, a sacred forest located in the commune of Aguégués, in a region irrigated by the Ouémé River in the southeast of the country, the villagers did not realize that wood cutting, poaching, and overfishing—activities they had hitherto depended on to meet their needs—had been exerting considerable pressure on natural resources.
To enable residents to better manage these newly protected zones, training sessions were organized that covered marine and coastal resource conservation and management, tools and techniques for community-based natural resource management, community-based procurement, financial management of associations, planning, and monitoring of activities.
Through the World Bank–funded Community-Based Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Management Project, communities have now been persuaded to abandon these practices. A participative process allowed the creation of community conservation areas to preserve the biological diversity of coastal wetlands. Deeply involved in the process, about 150 communities can now enjoy the sustainable use of the biological diversity of marine resources and benefit from environmentally friendly business activities.
Infrastructure for market gardening (water pumps, sprayers, development of irrigated areas, seeds, organic fertilizers), fish farming (fish ponds, fish cages, fish pens, aboveground fish tanks), and transport (motorized boats, tricycles, motorcycles) were also provided to enable beneficiaries to engage in income-generating activities such as the production and sale of market products, salt trade, fish farming, fish processing and marketing, and palm oil production. Communities have increased their production, expanded their businesses, and now have profits deposited in savings account at the local agricultural credit union.
The project has helped bring the riparian populations out of poverty, which had forced them to destroy the natural resources. Now they know that protecting mangroves, coastal zones, and forests is essential for the survival of future generations. Fish farming is now possible and allows them to meet their families’ needs and educate their children. Communities and palm oil producer associations have realized the importance of preserving their forest, as they have reaped the benefits of income-generating activities derived from their conservation efforts.
Awareness-raising campaigns organized under the Community-Based Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Management Project have helped residents to realize the importance of conserving their natural resources. The project is expected to finance a total of 149 community groups, involving 1,669 direct beneficiaries. The project has not only reduced pressures on natural resources, but has also increased the revenues of beneficiaries. It is important to make the necessary investments so that other Beninese communities can benefit from the project. Web site: www.worldbank.org
L and for Life . POVERT Y
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