Togo is accelerating the process of establishing its first Marine Protected Area (MPA), a project that has been in preparation for the past decade. Two awareness meetings held on September 30 and October 1, 2025, in Agbodrafo and Aného — organized by the relevant ministry and bringing together fishers, fishmongers, NGOs, local authorities, and technical partners — marked the beginning of the project’s active phase.
The proposed MPA will cover approximately 950 km² across the prefectures of Lacs, Vo, and Zio. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Togo, the area hosts rich yet fragile biodiversity, increasingly threatened by overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The objective is to protect mangroves, preserve fishery resources, and strengthen the resilience of local communities, while also opening new opportunities for tourism and scientific research.
Economic Impact
Beyond conservation goals, the MPA is expected to serve as a reservoir of marine resources, supporting both artisanal and industrial fisheries — key sectors for employment and income in coastal regions. “The creation of the MPA is not a restriction but a regulation designed to ensure the sustainability of resources,” officials emphasized.
For the government, the project aligns with Togo’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and reflects its commitment to meeting international conservation targets. The initiative is supported by several partners, including the World Bank (through the WACA Coastal Resilience Program), the GEF, UEMOA, IUCN, and the FAO.
