Togo - Overview

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Togo is one of the smallest countries in West Africa but it comprises various ecosystems types, such as aquatic ecosystems, mangroves and several types of forests. Three amphibian species and one plant species are endemic to the country. In 1990, the number of protected areas amounted to 83, but most of these areas are now inhabited... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

Considered as unique ecosystems, Togo theoretically hosts 83 protected areas, comprising national parks, floral and faunal reserves and classified forests. In this network, these 83 areas, classified between 1939 and 1957, cover a total surface area of 793.288,81ha equaling approximately 14% of the total national territory... More »

Percentage of Forest Cover

Forests cover an estimated 8.000km2, equally approximately 14% of the national territory of Togo.

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

In 1987, a ministry was created charged with the protection of the environment and the management of its natural resources. This political will was supported by: the adoption of Law no88-14 on 3 November 1988 instituting the Environmental Code; the ratification of numerous conventions, treaties and international accords relating to environmental and natural resources management; the adoption of the National Environmental Policy in December 1998; and the National Environmental Action Plan on 4 July 2001... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Togo’s economic crisis forced the population to fall back on the natural resources of the country. In addition, concern for economic growth and production practices, in place in various development sectors to respond to the population’s needs, have multiple harmful effects on the environment and particularly on biological diversity... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Reinforcement of the legal system in regard to the protection of specific areas is mentioned. Togo intends to improve monitoring and increase penalties for criminal activities.

The Protected Areas Rehabilitation Programme of Togo, financed by the European Commission under funds from STABEX 91-94, is in place since 2000, and is in its final phase... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Research has been undertaken in order to understand how traditional knowledge is contributing to the management and sustainable use of biodiversity. The study will focus notably on the traditional knowledge and practices related to sustainable forest and biodiversity management, and the eating habits and traditional use of threatened plant species... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

M. Kotchikpa Okoumassou	CBD Primary NFP, CHM NFP, SBSTTA NFP, ICNP ABS NFP, Protected Areas NFP
Ouro-Djeri Essowe	GSPC NFP
Dr. Kouami Kokou	GTI NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

M. Kotchikpa Okoumassou	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP
Ms. Amah Atutonu	BCH NFP