The heavy use of wood energy has led to the destruction of lagoon banks, resulting in ecological dysfunction in these complex ecosystems. We are witnessing a drastic reduction in water productivity, leading to numerous ecological and economic consequences
(reduction in fishing, wood energy, silting, etc.) and an increase in unemployment. Faced with this situation, women fishmongers and coconut producers, who have been organized into cooperatives since 2019, along with other local actors, have decided to reforest the banks while working to ensure the rational use of the ecosystem services provided by existing and restored resources.
The project will be carried out along the Gbaga channel in southeastern Togo. The villages involved are: Agbanakin, Togbagan, Zanvé (along the Gbaga channel), and Togokomé (along the Lake Togo lagoon complex), where a 15-hectare area has been made available for reforestation.
This action directly targets women and young people (women who process fish products and coconuts, fishermen) in the localities concerned, i.e., 5,258 people. Indirectly, it will take into account all the populations of the lakes (i.e., more than 115,000 inhabitants).
The objective of the Technical Assistance will be to:
• Restore the mangrove with women's groups and fishermen in the Lagoon System (Togokomé area as a pilot site).
• Raise awareness among local populations about mangrove restoration techniques.
• Train fishermen (especially women fishmongers) in sustainable conservation techniques.
• Support local authorities in regulating the management of mangroves