The National Landscape Agency (Anap) of Benin, under the patronage of the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport, is organizing the first edition of "Green Day," a national event aimed at rethinking the place of landscape in the country's development. The event, scheduled for November 13-14, 2026, at the Cotonou Congress Palace, is open to the public and free of charge. It seeks to make landscape a key driver of quality of life, resilience, economic attractiveness, and sustainable development.
The event brings together various stakeholders, including institutions, local authorities, professionals, businesses, academics, students, and citizens. According to Anap, the initiative recognizes that landscape encompasses more than just urban aesthetics, including city planning, territorial adaptation, water and soil management, plant production, education, economy, and innovation. The event's theme, "We don't just plant; we design a system," reflects this comprehensive approach.
The two-day event will feature discussions on integrating landscape considerations into project planning and the conditions necessary for local municipalities to take control of landscape investments implemented by the government. A key component of the event is the "Green Village," which will occupy nearly 10,000 square meters on the Congress Palace esplanade. The village will showcase a range of activities, including a market for plant-related businesses and experiences.
The Green Village will feature pépiniéristes, florists, plant professionals, and eco-friendly businesses presenting their expertise. Educational institutions and engineering schools will also participate, showcasing their projects and highlighting career opportunities in landscape management. The event aims to engage the youth and make it a family-friendly and public-oriented experience.
In addition to exhibitions and discussions, the Green Village will offer hands-on activities, such as gardening workshops, painting sessions, and plant discovery experiences. Evening events will transform the village into a "Sunset Village" and a "Green Social," featuring art, music, and entertainment. These activities aim to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of landscape management.
Beyond the two-day celebration, the first edition of Green Day is expected to launch sustainable initiatives, including mobilizing local authorities and initiating work on a future Landscape Charter. Anap aims to make this event the starting point for a growing dynamic that will continue in future editions.
The event is seen as a crucial step towards promoting sustainable development in Benin. By engaging various stakeholders and highlighting the importance of landscape management, the government hopes to create a long-term impact on the country's environmental and economic development.
Key points
- The event aims to make landscape a key driver of sustainable development in Benin.
- The Green Village will showcase plant-related businesses and experiences.
- The event will launch sustainable initiatives, including a future Landscape Charter.
