According to FAO, Benin has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. The high demographic density in the southern part of the country has resulted in intensive use of lands and deforestation. About 70 000 hectares of forests have been destroyed per year between 1990 and 2000 because of increasing demand in agricultural land, grazing, and wood. Djidja is one of the worst affected regions of Benin in terms of deforestation.

The project aims at the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands in Djidja where a protected domain of about 2 184 hectares lies. The General Directorate of Forests and Natural Resources will be in charge of land management, while tree-planting initiatives will be private and community-based.
 
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 sequester, up to and including 2017, 15 000 tCO2e. Agro forestry technologies will be used and the planted plots will be geo identified and referenced. Project activities include site preparation, planting, tending, weed control, thinning and pruning as well as 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 help with the fixing of soil. The pruning of the trees will provide additional fuel wood supply to local populations and reduce the pressure on forest resources. Other tree species like acacia 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 produce in the local markets, the region is almost completely lacking income generation opportunities. The re-vitalization of the forestry sector will create employment opportunities for the local communities.  The project plans to employ approximately 500 people in its establishment phase with many women employed in nursery work and weeding. Post establishment phase, about 200 people will be needed for fire protection, thinning and pruning.