UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Oueme Lower Valley
General information
The Oueme Lower Valley biosphere reserve is located in south-eastern Atlantic shore of Benin. The biosphere reserve is approximately 850,500 hectares. The site is a biodiversity hotspot hosting ecosystems of the Dahomey Gap. The biosphere reserve boasts a population of over 2,300,000 inhabitants.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2020
Country
Benin
Total population
2306309
Area
Surface
333,731.00 ha
Total terresterial area
331,537.00 ha
Total Marine area
2,184.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 6.6884 - Longitude: 2.40967
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
AfriMAB
Ecological Characteristics
The biosphere reserve hosts a variety of ecosystems. Within the biosphere reserve there are hydromorphic ecosystems, meadows, marshes, gallery forests and mangroves. These ecosystems are key to preserving the natural ecosystems of the region. The region is divided into four seperate distinct regions: the Coast, the Valley of Ouémé, Pobè, and Plateau.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
This biosphere reserve boasts a population of 2,300,000. There are five distinct ethnic groups Goun, Wémè, Xwla, Toffin, and Sètto-Xwla. Traditional fishing is practiced among the Toffin and the Wémè. The plateau region is barren which has pushed a migration to riverside cities such as Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Abomey-Calavi and Sèmè-Podji. Traditional agriculture practices include the growing of corn, sweet potato, cassava, vegetables, macabo, and Taro.
