Cooperation project

Strengthening a resilient, green economy in mangrove areas

Southern Benin (Comé, Kpomassè, Grand-Popo, Bopa, Ouidah)

(September 2023 – September 2025)

Impact

Improving the living conditions and climate resilience of women, men, girls and boys in targeted vulnerable rural communities in the mangrove areas of southwest Benin.

The stakes

Using innovative technologies for climate action in mangrove restoration
Ecotourism
Socio-economic empowerment of communities, particularly women and girls.

The objectives

Capacity building of local communities in the development of resilient socio-economic activities based on Adaptive Technologies and Innovations (ATIs) promoting the consolidation of mangrove protection and restoration.
Increased use of adaptive technologies and innovations (ATI) by targeted local communities through the development of education and learning tools. Specifically, the project aims to
Improving the adaptive capacities and skills of fishermen and women fishmongers in mangrove areas to use eco-responsible fishing practices.
Strengthen the capacities of (agro)tourism players in southern Benin to develop and promote activities (tours, CSR policy) offering sustainable support to target communities.
Strengthening the business management skills of young entrepreneurs, salt growers and agri-farmers to make better use of adaptive technologies and innovations (ATI).
Improved access to digital tools and resources (human, documented) facilitating the sharing of adaptive technologies and innovations (ATI) for communities bordering mangrove areas.

Actions

Strengthening the skills of young entrepreneurs, salt growers and agri-farmers

Training of 25 facilitators and 60 local young people in the use and dissemination of IATs.
Training, awareness-raising and technical support for 25 agri-farms in business management and equipment for climate-smart agricultural practices as part of the development of a reliable economic model.
Production and dissemination of a study to identify and determine viable economic models for TIAs. 
Technical and material support for young small businesses (Youth Startups) and material assistance in the form of 40 improved alternative fuel stoves for groups of women salt growers.

Improving the adaptability and skills of fishermen and women fishmongers

Training of 50 fishermen and fishmongers in responsible fishing and financial management; 
Organization of an annual fair showcasing responsible products and services; 
Hydrological restoration of 35 hectares of mangroves and implementation of a monitoring and surveillance plan for restored mangrove areas.

Capacity-building for (agro)tourism players in southern Benin to develop and promote activities (tours, CSR policy)

Production of technological tools (web/mobile application, interactive map, audiovisual guide, etc.) for the dissemination and optimal use of IATs.
Training of 30 local elected representatives and local authority staff in the adoption of IATs and their importance in communal development. 
Production and distribution of an IAT best practice manual.

In brief, with funding from the Government of Quebec via its Programme de Coopération Climatique Internationale (PCCI), the 2-year project, which will be implemented by Village Monde in collaboration with the organization Eco-Bénin, aims to restore 35 hectares of mangroves and reach around 36,000 direct beneficiaries, including at least 40% of the most vulnerable women and young people.

Updated information on the progress of our projects will be provided regularly on Village Monde’s website, blog and social media.