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Supporting sustainable management and biodiversity conservation of mangrove in Gbaga channel in Benin
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Focus area: Mitigation and Adaptation
Location: Grand-popo, Benin
Established: November, 2008
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Mangroves play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation through contributing to
carbon sequestration, flood management and coastal protection. This activity focuses on sustainable
management and conservation of mangrove and is driven by ecosystems-approach, placing communities at
the heart of conservation and adaptation efforts. The approach’s central tenant is that the poor
are both an important resource while also being most affected by climate change.
The activity focuses both on rehabilitation and conservation activities in order to restore degraded
mangroves and prevent further damage.
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The activity places strong emphasis on participation and training, it promotes gender and indigenous
knowledge and supports sustainable and environment-friendly income generating activities. The activity
involves both communities and local councils to ensure that the adaptation concerns are also reflected in
local government decisions.
The activity’s adaptation efforts include:
-350,000 mangrove seedlings planted to restore the environment.
-10,000 acacia seedlings planted and products used for wood energy.
-200 energy efficient houses built in ten villages to reduce the consumption of firewood and limit the
cutting of mangrove.
-Introduction of solar energy technology in villages.
-Establishment of ecotourism facilities.
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Mitigation / Adaptation
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Benefits
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Potential for scaling-up and replication
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The activity contributes to both mitigation and adaptation through the conservation of mangroves, which
play an important role in carbon sequestration, flood management and coastal protection.
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The activity’s participatory approach has strengthened the role of women and vulnerable groups in
their communities. The activity has contributed to poverty reduction by supporting income generating
activities and providing training on the use of sustainable energy. Reforestation of riverbanks and
support to agricultural activities have improved coastal protection and led to reduction in flood risks
and crop losses.
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The activity has already beenreplicated in Ouidah, another municipality in Benin, as well as in Costa
Rica. The success of the activity’s participatory approach has led to collaboration with the
municipal council to develop participatory adaptation plans.
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Images owned by the activity partners, all rights reserved.
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Organizations
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The Beninese Agency for the Environment,;
CEPED;
The Regional Center for Agricultural Production;
Eco-Ecolo;
RAMSAR Secretary
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