Togo Hosts Sensitization Meeting on Oti-Kéran Park Rehabilitation

The Togolese government recently hosted a sensitization meeting on the rehabilitation of the Oti-Kéran park. Held in Naboulgou, approximately 35 kilometers north of Kantè, the meeting was organized by the regional directorate of forestry resources in Kara, in collaboration with local authorities. The goal was to raise awareness among stakeholders about government efforts to rehabilitate the protected area and encourage them to develop participatory solutions for its conservation.

The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including local leaders and representatives from nearby communities. Speakers, such as Kara's regional forestry director, Lcl Afoda Chamsoudine, and prefects Sambiani Fékimani and Douti N'Sarma Mabiba, reaffirmed the government's commitment to relocating farmers and livestock owners out of the reserve by the end of the year. This move aims to mitigate human activities that threaten the park's natural resources.

Human activities, such as agriculture, overgrazing, poaching, and logging, have put significant pressure on the Oti-Kéran park's biodiversity. The park has faced challenges despite conservation efforts. The government now seeks to limit these actions and promote sustainable land use, environmental protection, and reforestation.

The Oti-Kéran protected area was initially established in 1971 as the Kéran classified forest. It was expanded between 1971 and 1976 to cover 163,640 hectares but was later reduced to 69,000 hectares in 2016. Local communities, including those from Gando, Takpapiéni, and Naboulgou, attended the meeting to discuss the park's rehabilitation and their role in conservation efforts.

In addition to discussing park rehabilitation, meeting attendees were also informed about the risks of violent extremism and the importance of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. The government aims to engage local populations in the conservation of the park and promote a culture of sustainability.

The meeting demonstrated the government's commitment to protecting Togo's natural heritage. By engaging local stakeholders and promoting collaborative conservation approaches, authorities hope to ensure the long-term preservation of the Oti-Kéran park. The success of these efforts will depend on continued cooperation between government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders.

The Togolese Press Agency reported on the meeting, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the country's environmental conservation efforts. Further updates on the park's rehabilitation and conservation progress are expected in the coming months.

Key points

• The Togolese government aims to relocate farmers and livestock owners out of the Oti-Kéran reserve by the end of the year.