IREE - MONO

The Mono transboundary basin, shared by Togo and Benin, stands as a vital resource whose sustainability is increasingly under threat. Rapid population growth, coupled with the accelerating impacts of climate change, is placing mounting pressure on natural systems. Agriculture, energy production, fishing, livestock and local economies are all affected, as communities face growing uncertainty and vulnerability.

At the heart of these challenges lie land degradation, deforestation and pollution, which weaken both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Reduced land productivity, recurring floods and prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent, jeopardizing the livelihoods of populations that depend heavily on the basin’s resources.

In this fragile context, coordinated management emerges as a necessity rather than an option. The transboundary nature of the Mono basin means that actions taken in one area inevitably have consequences across the entire system. Establishing a coherent institutional framework — from the local to the regional level — is therefore essential to foster dialogue, encourage inclusive development, and safeguard shared resources.

It is against this backdrop that the project has been designed, with the overarching goal of ensuring sustainable development and ecological resilience in the Mono basin. Strengthened governance, integrated water resources management, community-driven participatory planning, and enhanced cooperation between Togo and Benin form the pillars of this initiative — a pathway toward shared prosperity and lasting resilience.