UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Mono
General information
Located in the south-west of Benin and Togo, this site covers an area of 346,285 ha. Stretching across the alluvial plain and the delta and riverbank areas of the Mono River, it boasts a mosaic of landscapes and ecosystems consisting mainly of mangroves, savanna, lagoons, floodplains and forests, including sacred forests. The area covered by the reserve is home to nearly 2 million people and the main activities are small-scale agriculture (oil palm and coconut palms), pasture, forestry and fishing.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2017
Country
Benin
Total population
531990
Area
Surface
146,088.71 ha
Total terresterial area
122,133.12 ha
Total Marine area
23,955.59 ha
Location
Latitiude: 6.60287 - Longitude: 1.7305
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
AfriMAB
Ecological Characteristics
Also recognized by the Ramsar Convention on Wetland Conservation, the Mono river delta on the border between Benin and Togo is home to many different species, some of which are critically endangered. The diverse landscape includes rivers, lakes, wetlands, savannahs, gallery forests, mangroves and beaches, and it provides a habitat to hippopotamuses, manatees, whales, red-bellied monkeys, as well as many varieties of waterfowls.The Biosphere Reserve also hasvarious species that are endemic to the Dahomey Gap, such as the white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus eythrogaster), and critically endangered ones, like the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) and the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Most of the population earn a living from agriculture, fishing and foresting. The main challenges are the practice of extensive agriculture, overfishing and mining.Since the Biosphere Reserve was created, various projects has been carried out to promote ecotourism, particularly related to whale and dolphin-watching. However, the goal is to also increase cultural tourism, by promoting local festivals, such as Ekpé-ékpé (in Glidji-Kpodji, Togo), Nonvitcha (in Grand Popo, Benin) andYèkè-yèkè.The Biosphere Reserve management plan includes capacity-building and funding initiatives for innovation and sustainable development.
