Togo: towards a revision of the national biodiversity strategy

Togo is to revise its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SPAN-B). Local stakeholders recently opened a validation workshop in Lomé, organized by the Ministry of the Environment, aimed at bringing the country into line with global biodiversity standards, notably through the integration of the 23 targets defined in the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Jonas Komi Ante, in charge of the revision project, emphasized that priorities included the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, the sustainable use of resources and the financing of biodiversity initiatives. With this in mind, the country is emphasizing the mobilization of local communities and the private sector, insisting on collective involvement, as the State alone cannot succeed in conserving biodiversity.

The revised project, which includes five objectives and twenty-five targets, is distinguished by its multi-sectoral approach, taking into account the contributions of private players, young people and women. Local authorities also play a key role in implementing this strategy.

However, while Togo remains committed to meeting its commitments, it still faces a number of challenges. According to a senior official from the Ministry in charge of Forest Resources, the 2020 assessment shows that results in terms of achieving national objectives are uneven, with only 65% of efforts devoted to raising awareness having been achieved.

Source: www.togofirst.com/