Benin/Urban beautification: Benin commits to 50,000 decorative plants for a more attractive living environment

Ouidah and Porto-Novo are the first two communes in which the "Fleurissement des villes du Bénin" project was launched on Friday June 13, 2025. The "Fleurissement des villes du Bénin" project is a government initiative backed by the Ministry of the Living Environment and Transport, implemented by SIRAT SA and supported by town halls and local authorities, with the aim of making Benin greener and more sustainable.

For the commune of Ouidah, it was the École Primaire Publique Ganvè that hosted the launch of the project, which is not just a government initiative, but a popular dynamic where every citizen can plant, maintain and preserve the beauty of his or her town.

The ceremony was attended by the Managing Director of SIRAT SA, Mr. Ranti AKINDES, the Managing Director of theAgence Nationale du Paysage, Madame Olga PRINCE DAGNON, the representative of the Mayor of Ouidah, Monsieur Fructueux PRUDENCIO, local elected officials and several other personalities.

Following a speech by the representative of the Mayor of Ouidah, who expressed the delight of the people of Ouidah at the birth of the project, ANAP's Managing Director outlined the project's objectives. From her presentation, it emerged that the project's objectives are to transform Benin's towns and cities into veritable green spaces; to involve the population in civic action; to engage young people, and more particularly schoolchildren, in order to encourage them to take part in the project's activities; and to encourage the development of the local community.to create a pleasant, modern living environment, as Benin's cities must reflect a positive, dynamic image.

Seven towns are involved in this first phase of the project, which will last twelve (12) months: Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Abomey-Calavi, Sèmè-Kpodji, Parakou, Natitingou and Ouidah. 50,000 decorative plants will be distributed free of charge. 15,000 homes will be affected, and 290 kilometers of streets will be planted.

To receive the plants free of charge, citizens can go to the distribution points in the towns concerned, particularly in the arrondissements. An explanatory leaflet on planting and maintenance is also provided.

To raise awareness of the importance of preserving green spaces, a strong communication campaign on good practices and plant maintenance has been put in place, reassured Mr. Olsen PRINCE of Co. International.

It's good to put plants in the ground, but you also have to look after them. And that's why Mr. David BANDEIRA, an ANAP executive, recalled a few rules of good practice for a better living environment.

"Every citizen, every family must take care to preserve green spaces," hammered Mr Adolphe TOHOUNDJO, Director of the Atlantic Department of Living Environment and Transport.

The planting of the bougainvilleas and the strong commitment of the students brought the ceremony to a close, launching the flowering operation in the town of Ouidah. The delegation then headed for the town of Porto-Novo, where the same ceremony took place at the École Primaire Publique de Louho.

Together, let's make our towns sustainable, flower-filled spaces.

Source: www.gouv.bj/