Many marine and coastal species, in particular sea turtles, cetaceans and the African
manatee, have already enjoyed global protection for several
decades through international treaties and conventions. These include, among others, the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD), the Convention on the Protection of Migratory Species of Wild
Animals or the Bonn Convention (CMS); and the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (CMS) (CMS), which Benin has adhered to and ratified. To support the
implementation of these conventions, of which Benin is a party, it has adopted several regulations, including
Law No. 2002-16 of 18 October 2004 on the wildlife regime in the Republic of Benin, which classifies
these species among those fully protected. These provisions then encouraged the
implementation of several initiatives aimed at protecting sea turtles all over the world, and therefore in
Benin. Thanks to the actions undertaken since 1999, as well as the support of CEBIOS and other partners
over the past three years, sea turtles are increasingly safe on
some beaches on the Beninese Atlantic coast.
This report provides an overview of the activities and results of this
awareness-raising campaign.