- Status
- Completed
- Period
- 2023
- Area
- Sacred forests of northern Benin
- Areas of work
- Conservation · Advocacy and awareness
The sacred forests of northern Benin are both reservoirs of biodiversity and places of deep cultural and spiritual value. They are degrading under human pressure, bushfires and the gradual loss of the traditional knowledge that long protected them.
Valuing that knowledge and strengthening the participation of young people and traditional authorities preserves this natural heritage while reinforcing communities' cultural identity and ecological resilience.
Objective
Preserve sacred forests by valuing local knowledge, community governance and economic activities compatible with conservation.
What we did
Ethnobotanical studies and participatory community assessments.
120 young people and customary chiefs trained in local natural resource governance.
15 local sacred-forest management committees established.
12 traditional festivals celebrating nature-related rites and raising conservation awareness.
Ecotourism micro-projects (incense, essential oils, crafts), a community guide to indigenous knowledge and campaigns in 30 villages: radio, forum theatre, events.
Results
Source: 2023 annual report. Only results directly attributable to VALOCOF are shown.
In pictures
Document the sacred forests
An ecological inventory of northern Benin's sacred forests remains to be carried out. Researchers and funders, get in touch.