GAPADOU in Benin

Context

The word GAPADOU means ‘sacred’ in the Anii language, spoken mainly in the commune of Bassila. Sacred forests are endogenous forms of conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in the world. They are areas protected on the basis of traditional endogenous beliefs in a sacred element residing within the forest. All sacred forests are characterised by the presence of a divinity who is a living or non-living element of nature (plant, animal) (a stone), or an entire ecosystem (a river). Benin has almost 2,900 sacred forests covering an area of 18,400 hectars. 

But with demographic pressure and the growing need for arable land to expand agriculture (development of cash crops such as cotton, etc.), the need for wood energy (firewood and charcoal), particularly from urban communities, and extreme poverty in the villages, the exploitation and destruction of forest areas is accelerating. The erosion of the power of traditional chiefs and priests of divinity over the protection of these sacred forests is adding to the causes of their degradation.

Local communities are therefore considered to be the most likely source of forest degradation, and it is therefore important to involve them in actions to conserve sacred forests, particularly through ongoing awareness-raising activities. This participatory approach also aims to ensure sustainability in the management of sacred forests by involving the local communities that depend on these resources in the decision-making process so that they retain control over the uses and benefits derived from their exploitation.

Objectives

Management of sacred forests relies on four key levers: (a) restoring these forests through reforestation with indigenous species to preserve their sacred character, (b) developing economic alternatives to reduce pressure on the forests, (c) improving management by local communities, and (d) raising awareness of environmental protection issues across all social strata.