In most of the villages bordering the Pendjari National Park, anthropogenic pressure on natural resources is becoming more and more pronounced and noticeable. It is observed nowadays in the Controlled Occupation Zone (ZOC), the use of pesticides with itinerant slash-and-burn agriculture, leading to the non-respect of the boundaries of the Park, the large-scale harvesting of wood not for local consumption, but rather to satisfy the wood needs (lumber, fuel wood and service wood) of cities such as Tanguiéta and Natitingou... This observation risks compromising ecological integrity of this protected area which is a heritage of humanity. Some animal and plant species are threatened with extinction because their natural habitat is destroyed due to deforestation and environmental pollution by certain chemical products used by populations. It is all the more important to work as urgently as possible in the hunting areas of the park, a natural reserve 2 to limit or even eradicate any deforestation and pollution action.

To remedy this, the present project proposes actions to raise awareness among local populations about the Reserve in support of those conducted by the Pendjari National Park Directorate (DPNP). Thus, the populations living near the Park benefited from awareness-raising sessions on the harmful effects of deforestation and on the measures to be taken. Also, the schools and hospitals in the project intervention area have been made aware of the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of a healthy environment.