Strengthening the restoration and sustainable management of five sacred forests of the Ramsar site 1018 in Benin

Overview

This project set the following objectives: (a) strengthen the capacity of local communities in the sustainable management of sacred forests; (b) increase the afforestation rate of sacred forests; and (c) improve the livelihoods of local populations.
Participants strengthened their knowledge and developed practical skills in the following key areas:
- Silvicultural cycles of trees and main forest interventions;
- Techniques for assisted natural regeneration, enrichment through planting and direct seeding in sacred forests;
- Restoration techniques for degraded areas around sacred forests and reforestation methods in community lands;
- Seedling protection methods and vegetation fire management.
Across all restoration activities, it is important to highlight the strong involvement and active participation of all age and gender groups (men, women, children, youth and elders) throughout every stage of implementation.

Key achievements

• A total of 41 participants, including 10 women, were trained in the sustainable management of sacred forests.
• Enrichment activities covered 5 ha, increasing the total enriched area across five sacred forests from 20 ha to 25 ha, using 750 native seedlings from eight species.
• A total of 3 ha were planted in buffer zones, expanding the planted area from 0 to 3 ha, with 480 oil palm seedlings (Elaeis guineensis).
• In community territories, 3.24 ha were planted, increasing the total planted area from 5 ha to 8.24 ha, using 3,600 seedlings from four fast-growing, multipurpose species.

Lessons

This project introduced many innovations in the management of sacred forests, from which several lessons were learned:
(1) The integration of local practices with modern silviculture enhances the effectiveness and community ownership of restoration activities.
(2) Private plantations of fast-growing species make it possible to meet short- and medium-term wood needs without putting pressure on sacred forests.
(3) The introduction of species such as Elaeis guineensis generates additional income and supports the sustainable management of sacred forests.
(4) Linking ecological restoration with economic opportunities promotes the ecological and socio-economic sustainability of sacred forests.

• The restoration and sustainable management of sacred forests are effective and long-lasting when they are based on an integrated approach that combines traditional knowledge, modern silvicultural techniques, and economic valorisation mechanisms.