Protecting and monitoring mangrove areas to prevent illegal logging poses a real challenge for the authorities. In Benin, local residents can now play their part in this effort, thanks to a mobile app.  

In Benin, there is a range of laws and regulations in place to protect mangroves. Illegal felling of mangroves can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. However, challenges linked to a lack of awareness and resources, land tenure issues and insufficient cooperation between institutions are hampering their enforcement at a local level.

In the Mono Biosphere Reserve, we are working with our partners to develop a mobile app that serves as an early-warning system, as well as a record of local flora and fauna. The principle is simple: local residents record and pinpoint instances of damage to mangroves, and this data is passed on to the authorities to increase monitoring of at-risk areas. Furthermore, the information gathered on flora and fauna forms a valuable database for research and documentation of life within this ecosystem.

Find out more about mangrove conservation