Togo prepares to create its first marine protected area
Togo is preparing to establish its first Marine Protected Area (MPA), an ambitious project that was discussed during two meetings held on September 30 in Agbodrafo and on October 1, 2025, in Aného. These meetings brought together various stakeholders to explain the process of creating this area, present its benefits, and gather the concerns of local communities.
The MPA will cover an area of 950 km², encompassing the Lacs prefecture and parts of the Vo and Zio prefectures. This area, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Togo, is rich in biodiversity, home to mangroves, fish, and other fisheries.
The main objective of this initiative is to:
- Protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Improve the living conditions of local communities.
- Develop tourism and promote scientific research.
Awougnon Comlan, representing the Minister of Environment and Forest Resources, clarified that "the creation of the marine protected area does not mean a deprivation of resources for the populations, but aims to ensure sustainable management in order to preserve these riches for future generations."
The project benefits from the support of several international partners, including:
- The World Bank through the WACA project.
- The Global Environment Facility (GEF).
- UEMOA.
- FAO.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Next steps include:
- The official delimitation of the area.
- The development of a regulatory framework.
- The establishment of a participatory monitoring mechanism involving local communities.
This initiative is part of the National Biodiversity Plan, reinforcing Togo's commitment to protecting its natural resources and contributing to international efforts to preserve the environment.
Therese V.
