Benin Aims to Leverage Landscaping for Sustainable Development

The government of Benin has initiated a new approach to sustainable development by focusing on landscaping. The country's first Green Day, which took place on November 13, 2026, in Cotonou, brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of landscaping investments, structuring of related professions, and preservation of green spaces. This development is part of Benin's efforts to prioritize maintenance, professionalization of landscaping services, and sustainability of investments in the sector.

Georges Alé, Minister of Living Environment and Transportation, emphasized that landscaping is no longer just an add-on to projects but an integral part of the planning process. He stressed that modernizing cities and building infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with improving living standards, preserving biodiversity, and reducing territorial vulnerability. According to the minister, landscaping plays a crucial role in achieving a balanced vision that combines functionality, environmental equilibrium, and quality of life.

The Director-General of the National Landscape Agency (ANAP), Olga Dagnon, highlighted the importance of proper management of green spaces. She mentioned that out of the plantations monitored by ANAP, 83% have survived, but the goal is to reach 100%. Dagnon emphasized that maintaining green spaces requires attention, expertise, and continuity. She also stressed the need for a rigorous organization of the entire landscaping production and management chain, from nurseries to maintenance.

The ANAP is working to professionalize the landscaping sector by promoting better organization of skills and competencies, from plant material production to project design, implementation, and maintenance. The agency is also exploring new technologies, such as geolocation, artificial intelligence, and data production, to monitor and maintain green spaces. These efforts aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of landscaping investments.

The Green Day event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the landscaping sector. Minister Georges Alé emphasized the need for private sector involvement, citing their expertise, innovation capacity, and social responsibility. He also called on local authorities to take ownership of public green spaces and ensure their maintenance.

The Benin government has allocated significant resources to landscaping, with nearly 1 billion FCFA spent annually on maintaining green spaces and 82,000 m³ of water used for irrigation. The authorities are now focusing on selecting suitable plant species, efficient irrigation systems, and anticipating maintenance costs from the project design stage.

As Benin continues to prioritize sustainable development through landscaping, the government aims to engage citizens in the preservation and protection of green spaces. The ANAP and other stakeholders will work together to promote a culture of responsibility and ownership among the population, ensuring the long-term success of landscaping initiatives.

Key points

• The Benin government has launched its first Green Day to promote sustainable landscaping and discuss future investments in the sector.