The main functions of natural forests are socio-cultural functions,
production functions, economic functions (Akouehou, 2004; Akouehou et al., 2012). Despite the
many services that forests offer today, several factors contribute to their decline
(Glèlè Kakaï et al., 2011). These include population growth, land clearings, forest fires, the uncontrolled expansion
of homes, the erosion of beliefs in traditional
representations of forests, and the weakness of the power of traditional leaders and
conservators of forest relics (Akouehou, 2003; Oumorou et al., 2010). A
long-term solution to the sustainable use of biodiversity in village forests or
community forests involves their integration into the system of protected areas with Simplified Management and Management Plans
(PAGS), which will ensure security of
land ownership and rights of usufruct over land for communities and traditional authorities
(Akouehou, 2003).