Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mono Delta

The Adjame wetland area in the delta of the Mono River at the border to Benin and Togo comprises of 2250 Km2. The aim of the project was to sustainably secure the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the area especially for the local communities. In doing so, the future biosphere reserve was to be protected, sustainably used and have a participatory cross-border management. Ecosystem services, with a particular emphasis on flood risk management were anchored in the development plans and initiatives of the region. The good practices and experiences have been compiled and incorporated into international networks. By combining the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services, the project made a sustainable contribution to the implementation of the CBD and the region’s ecosystem-based capacity to adapt to climate change.

Project data

Countries: Benin, Togo
IKI funding: 7,362,963.76 €
Duration: 12/2013 till 03/2019
Status: completed
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Environment and Forestry - Togo

Ministry of Living Environment and Sustainable Development (MCVDD) - Benin
Implementing Partner: IUCN National Committee of the Netherlands

Ministry of Environment and Forestry - Togo

Ministry of Living Environment and Sustainable Development (MCVDD) - Benin
Online: https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/27427.html

Skip to Project data

State of implementation/results

Project completed.
In December 2016 the governments of Benin and Togo agreed on the establishment of a cross border biosphere reserve around the Mono river.
The designated area in the Mono Delta was submitted for recognition in 2016 in the "Man and the Biosphere" (MAB) Universe World Network.
The official acknowledgment document arrived in June 2017.
Two local development plans were taking into account preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem Services.
A watershed plan taking into account conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services has been prepared.
In 2017, land was afforested in the intervention areas of Naglanou, Adjamé, Bouche du Roy, Akissa, Chenal de Gbaga and Godjè-Godjin.
In December 2017, a further meeting of all partner NGOs took place for the purpose of furthering their coaching role vis-à-vis the local management committees under the direction of the Project.
Several information videos were produced and scientific articles, which were produced in the context of the biosphere reserve have been published.
Representatives of the political partners of Benin and Togo took part in the African Biosphere Reserves (AfriMAB) General Assembly held in Ibadan, Nigeria, from 11 to 15 September 2017 and presented project experiences there.
Togo has introduced its own management structure for the Togodo National Park, which is now the direct contact point of the project.

Latest Update:
03/2025