Mangrove Restoration in Kpomassè and Aguégués (Benin)
In Benin, communities are highly exposed to natural hazards, including floods, coastal erosion, droughts, and storms. Climate change has intensified these events, with more irregular rainfall and more frequent flooding, particularly in the Ouémé River valley and coastal areas such as Cotonou and Grand-Popo.
The most affected communities are fishermen, farmers, and riverside populations because their livelihoods depend directly on natural resources. Floods destroy crops and homes and reduce fishery resources, worsening poverty and vulnerability.
Similar to the Philippines, local solutions include ecosystem restoration, especially mangroves. For example, local NGOs such as Climate Adapt Now NGO, Pauly Afrique Bio NGO restore mangroves in Kpomassè and Aguégués to protect coastlines and support biodiversity. Communities also adopt adaptation strategies such as livelihood diversification and agroecological practices.
The Beninese government, with support from NGOs and international partners, promotes reforestation, sustainable resource management, and climate adaptation programs.
The main similarity with the Philippines is the critical role of mangroves in protecting communities. The difference lies in the level of resources and institutional capacity, which remains more limited in Benin, although local initiatives show strong potential to strengthen community resilience.