• Biodiversity

Facing increasing threats to the Sakété forest and its endangered red-bellied monkey, in Benin, the Community of Communes of Plateau and the Commune of Sakété have launched a conservation project aimed at protecting this fragile ecosystem and its species while also promoting sustainable ecotourism that sustain local communities.

In southeastern Benin, the Commune of Sakété has become the focus of a significant conservation effort aimed at preserving the Sakété forest and protecting its red-bellied monkey – one of the species’ last remaining habitats. Threatened by deforestation, climate change, and hunting, this rare primate relies on the ecological integrity of the forest located in the Sakété neighborhood. 

In response to these pressures, the Community of Communes of Plateau, in collaboration with the commune of Sakété, has initiated an ambitious project dedicated to safeguarding the forest ecosystem and developing sustainable ecotourism opportunities.

A project that protects biodiversity and supports local communities 

Red-bellied monkeys, native to limited areas in Benin and southwestern Nigeria, are currently classified as endangered by the IUCN, with deforestation and hunting as the primary threats for the species. As a result, forests like Sakété have become particularly important for biodiversity. 

The Community of Communes of Plateau, working within the COOP’R project, seek to address conservation needs through:

• Awareness campaigns and regular radio broadcasts, that have encouraged wider recognition of the species ecological value, reinforcing the importance of coexistence with this emblematic species and highlighting its ecological and cultural value to the region. 
• Mobilizing volunteers to monitor the forest using hidden cameras and GPS kits.
• Educating farmers on the use of biopesticides for a healthier environment. 

As environmental conservation efforts continue, work is underway to create an ecotourism trail through the Sakété forest, as a way to provide future visitors with the opportunity to observe local wildlife and biodiversity. Thanks to this initiative, community members remain involved and prepare for new tourism activities, while ongoing biodiversity monitoring and information campaigns continue to be implemented. 

This conservation project is key for preserving the environment, its wildlife, the communities of Sakété and their economic and social development. 

Watch our #RegionsVoice video and discover more about Community of Communes of Plateau story:

Video in French

This story is presented as part of the COOP’R project, led by the Association Internationale de Régions Francophones (AIRF) with support from Regions 4, the Federation of Regional Natural Parks, and Nitidae. The project aims to promote interregional cooperation for the economic and social development of Francophone territories through biodiversity management.

More info: COOP’R Project : building capacity to preserve protected natural areas in Francophone African Regions