Mangroves in Benin, West Africa: threats, uses and conservation opportunities
Autor: | Yvonne Bachmann, Oscar Teka, Laurent G. Houessou, Brice Sinsin, Bruno A. Djossa, M Oumorou |
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Rok vydání: | 2018 |
Předmět: |
Sustainable development
Economics and Econometrics Resource (biology) Agroforestry Geography Planning and Development 0211 other engineering and technologies 02 engineering and technology 010501 environmental sciences Management Monitoring Policy and Law 01 natural sciences Overexploitation Geography Habitat Sustainable management Human settlement 021108 energy Mangrove Energy source 0105 earth and related environmental sciences |
Zdroj: | Environment, Development and Sustainability. 21:1153-1169 |
ISSN: | 1573-2975 1387-585X |
DOI: | 10.1007/s10668-017-0075-x |
Popis: | Mangrove ecosystems constitute valuable resource all over the world. They provide habitats for flora and fauna species, protect the coast against erosion and supply various products for local communities. Currently, mangroves are overused and degraded. Up to now, perceptions of local communities on the dynamic of mangrove forest and their acceptable participation forms for mangroves restoration have not been entirely understood. This study was undertaken in order to assess human pressure on mangroves from user perspective and to provide baseline information for its sustainable management in three districts (Grand-Popo, Ouidah and Seme-Kpodji) located in the coastal area of Benin. Structured and semi-structured questionnaire surveys regarding perceptions of mangrove forest dynamic, causes of mangrove forest degradation, indigenous restoration strategies and forms of participation were conducted among randomly selected informants. It has been reported that Beninese mangrove ecosystems supply timber and non-timber forest products, rich fishing grounds and salt for local communities. Local communities are aware of the need of restoring and ensuring sustainable conservation of mangrove ecosystems. Dominant measures for restoration and conservation indicated by informants for mangrove users include the reintroduction of traditional rules, avoidance of uncontrolled settlements, planting of mangrove trees, planting alternative fuelwood, use of solar energy for salt production and creation of alternative income generating activities. Planting mangrove trees and alternative cooking energy sources supplying to local communities to avoid mangrove destruction are urgent needs for the coastal area of Benin. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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