Header photo: Fishermen in the Mono Biosphere Reserve © Jan Willem den Besten / IUCN NL
Given the challenges posed by climate change, mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding coastal regions and the linked economies. Establishing sustainable financing mechanisms is essential for a well-managed Mono Biosphere Reserve, protecting the landscape’s biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of its communities.
The aim of the project Mono Delta Benin is therefore to strengthen the management and develop sustainable finance opportunities for the UNESCO Mono MAB Biosphere Reserve and the development of the adjoining Avlékété-Bouche du Roy Marine Protected Area. The Mono Biosphere Reserve embodies UNESCO’s biosphere approach, harmonising nature conservation, sustainable development, and community involvement in territorial management.
What is a biosphere reserve?
Biosphere reserves involve local communities and all interested stakeholders in the planning and management of the reserve. They integrate conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity with economic development and logistic support. Biosphere reserves consist of three zones: a core zone, a buffer zone and the transition zone. Firstly, a core zone sits at the centre and is a strictly protected area. The Mono Biosphere Reserve has a mosaic of such core zones surrounded by buffer zones, of which many have been protected through sacralisation. This ritual ceremony aims to protect mangrove ecosystems by placing them under the surveillance of the deity Zangbéto and Avlékété. Since 2015, Eco-Benin has worked with communities on this process; nine sites and 500 hectares of mangroves have been sanctified thus far and are now under the protection of Zangbéto.
The buffer zone surrounds the core zone and is used for activities compatible with ecological practices that reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education. The transition zone in turn surrounds the buffer zone. This is where communities carry out economic activities that are culturally and ecologically sustainable. Read more on the UNESCO website.
Ecosystem services
Through our local partner organisations, we aim for the local communities to become responsible for managing the natural resources and ecosystem services provided by the reserve. In addition, we will develop economic activities compatible with conservation measures, to ensure a balance is struck between biodiversity protection and the improvement of the livelihoods of local communities. For example, through sustainable ecotourism, which showcases the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve whilst at the same time generating income for local communities.
Sustainable private investment
Furthermore, the Mono Delta Benin partners are developing incentives to encourage sustainable private investment to support the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. To achieve this, an innovation fund will be set up and promoted to support actors such as community groups, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, companies, and innovative financiers in the landscape or those who have an interest in becoming active in the reserves. Additional support, financial or otherwise, will be sought from companies operating in the landscapes, investors (local/international), development agencies, and banks active in the landscape.
IUCN NL and Eco-Benin also work together to create a blue carbon finance mechanism to finance the biosphere reserve.
Blue carbon potential
Blue carbon refers to carbon dioxide that is absorbed from the atmosphere and stored in coastal and marine ecosystems (hence the word ‘blue’). An estimated 83% of the global carbon cycle circulates through the ocean, and although they cover less than 2% of the total ocean area, coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and tidal marshes can sequester great amounts of organic carbon[1]IUCN. (2021). First guidelines to design and deploy Blue Carbon projects in Europe and the Mediterranean. In fact, they sequester and store more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests[2]IUCN. (2017). Issues brief Blue carbon. They are therefore, if managed correctly, effective ocean-based solutions for climate change.
A 2023 feasibility study indicates the great potential for blue carbon certification projects of the Bouche du Roy Reserve, which is part of the Mono Biosphere Reserve: it projected the possible certification of 402,841 tonnes CO2 equivalents over a 30 years’ time span.
IUCN NL and Eco-Benin are working together to preserve mangrove ecosystems in the Bouche du Roy Reserve and its surrounding areas financed by blue carbon credits. This locally led mangrove ecosystem restoration and conservation project is a nature-based solution that improves food security, enhances marine biodiversity, prevents coastal erosion, and creates jobs.
Part of our activities:
- Developing of business cases for projects that contribute to biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, and sustainable development in and around the reserve.
- Identifying and development of sustainable financing mechanisms (including the creation of a trust fund or similar financing structure) to support business initiatives.
- Paving the way for a blue carbon investment approach.
- Supporting companies in the implementation of a Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) Charter.
- Raising the profile of the reserve and marine protected area and share experiences and lessons learnt.
This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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Index
| ↑1 | IUCN. (2021). First guidelines to design and deploy Blue Carbon projects in Europe and the Mediterranean |
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| ↑2 | IUCN. (2017). Issues brief Blue carbon |