According to FAO, Benin has one of the highest deforestation rates in the World. The consequence of the high demographic density in the southern part of the country has resulted in the intensive use of lands and the scarcity of forests. About 70.000 hectares of forests have been destroyed per year between 1990 and 2000 because of increasing needs in agricultural lands, grazing, wood and hunting.
Djidja is one of the most degraded parts of Benin. This degradation is due to agricultural practices and degradation of the forest.
The only way to restore the lands is to restore the forests. Therefore the project aims at the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands of Djidja. The protected domain is about 2184ha. The General Directorate of Forests and Natural Resources will be in charge of land management. But the project also allows the involvement of private and community-based tree planting initiatives.
For the reforestation and the restoration of the lands, three different plants will be used:
Anacardium occidentatlis (for Cashew nuts production), Gliricidia sp, Acacia sp Senne siamea (for soil fertility restoration) and Tectona grandis, Gmelina Eucalyptus sp Khaya sp (for Timber production). All tree species used in the reforestation activities are proven in the area and not known to be invasive. Based on conservative estimates, with a yearly rotation cycle for all tree species, the project will save up to and including 2017: 15.000 t CO2e. Agro forestry technologies will be used and the planted plots will be geo identified and referenced. Furthermore, the project includes not only site preparation, planting, tending, weed control, thinning and pruning but also fire management, pest control and disease management.
There are several benefits for the environment as well as for the population. The plantation of trees will firstly help with regards to the fixing of soil. The pruning of the branches offers a gain in wood energy for the local populations and reduces the pressure on the forest resources. The legumes will be beneficial for the restoration of the fertility of soils, contribute to the conservation of soils and avoid the clearance of new land within the protected areas.
Apart from selling products at the local markets, the project region is almost completely lacking income generation opportunities. Therefore, the re-vitalization of the forestry sector creates employment opportunities and is highly beneficial for the integrity of the local communities in the area. The local communities further benefit from the provision of fuel-wood.
The employment plan for the project indicates a need for approx. 500 people in the establishment phase of the project. Particularly women find new employment opportunities in nursery work and weeding. After the establishment phase about 200 people will be needed for fire protection, thinning and pruning (until year 14).
So the project doesn’t only match well with environmental priorities of Benin, but also contributes to the Millennium Development Goals.