Establishing a Protected Area: Collaborative Efforts for the Preservation of the Kota Waterfall Ecosystem in Northern Benin

From September 11-13, 2024, a team from the University of Parakou visited Natitingou to launch discussions on creating a protected area around the Kota Waterfall. This initiative, supported by local authorities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, aims to safeguard the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region while addressing pressing environmental threats. During the mission, the team met with municipal and village leaders to explore the ecological importance of the site and its potential for job creation, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. However, several challenges were identified, including land ownership issues, water pollution, and the impact of illegal gold mining.Despite these challenges, the mission concluded with strong support from local stakeholders. The next steps include presenting the project at the Administrative Conference, engaging local communities in the conservation effort, and exploring sustainable solutions to the region’s mining activities. This mission was part of a broader conservation project funded by the Darwin Initiative, focused on preserving the biodiversity of edible mushrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of a protected area at Kota will contribute to safeguarding the region’s natural and cultural assets for future generations.