Management of the Abdoulaye-Bago-Alibi-Koussoumtou forest complex

The Abdoulaye classified forest complex and the community forests of Bago, Alibi 1 and Koussoumtou (CABAK) covers an area of 46,634 ha and is located in the Tchamba prefecture in Togo. Its management poses the problem of governance and progressive degradation due to pressures and threats. Inventories carried out in the CABAK have identified 221 plant species and 63 animal species. Analysis of the assessment of the effectiveness of its management using the BIOPAMA tool reveals a favourable context (64%) and constraints linked to planning (40%), inputs (17%) and the process (25%), leading to poor results (14%) and impacts (40%) on biodiversity and local populations. The current management method does not ensure the sustainable conservation of biodiversity. Analysis of the 7 criteria for the designation of a UNESCO biosphere reserve shows that CABAK meets criteria 1, 2, 4 and 5 relating to natural potential and partially meets criteria 3, 6 and 7 focusing on sustainable development approaches. Participatory management of the entire complex in accordance with the proposed UNESCO-MAB zoning will help to avoid fragmentation.