Members of the national platforms of Parc W and regional experts gathered from November 13 to 16, 2024, in Cotonou to sign the new deal for the integrated management of this cross-border ecosystem shared by Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This gathering was part of a regional workshop aimed at establishing and strengthening the regional platform’s capacity.
Operationalizing the Regional Platform for Ecosystem Management of the Cross-Border Natural Complex of Parc W, encompassing Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger, was the main objective of this workshop. It brought together members of national platforms and regional experts to strengthen stakeholder capacities and promote collaborative governance to protect this unique ecosystem. During the workshop, participants exchanged ideas on sustainable management practices, resource mobilization, and green solutions to tackle climate challenges.
In his address, Allomanso Tchokponhoué, Regional Coordinator of the NB-ITTAS Project, highlighted the context and strategic directions of this significant workshop for the structure he leads. He also reflected on the accomplishments of the NB-ITTAS Project, which has positively impacted communities across the project’s 11 participating countries. Furthermore, the Regional Coordinator announced an upcoming itinerant tour dedicated to similar training exercises for the national platforms previously established.
Representing the Acting Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), Ibro Adamou noted that managing natural water resources is an integral part of poverty reduction strategies and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the various states have committed to within a context of cross-border international cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Beninese Minister in charge of water, Eleuthère Batia expressed satisfaction with the strong mobilization of participants from the three countries. He observed that this is a clear sign of strong motivation among the stakeholders involved. « This encourages me to hope that the discussions will be rich and lively, with relevant conclusions that meet the challenges facing the cross-border ecosystem as important as that of Parc W, » he stated, officially opening the workshop, which seals the new deal for the integrated management of this transboundary ecosystem.
