Inadequate use of the coastal zone leads irretrievably to irreversible damage. According to Bamisso (2006), approximately 38% of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves are under threat from various developments and waste discharges. The continued destruction of these ecosystems will constitute a major ecological disaster at the national, regional and even global levels. Faced with this worrying trend, Benin has taken the option of adopting a policy for the sustainable management of its coastal area in accordance with the recommendations of the Abidjan Convention. One of the expected results of this Convention is to provide the basic elements for collaboration between managers of marine and coastal areas at the national and regional levels and this is what justifies, among other things, the preparation of this national report.

1. It describes the various ecosystems that make up the coastal zone of Benin;

2. presents species of special concern as well as flagship species;

3. presents coastal communities in their dynamism and in their interdependence;

4. describes the different socio-economic activities carried out by the different communities;

5. Examine the various natural and human impacts on Benin's coastal and marine ecosystems;

6. presents the entire legislative and regulatory system that regulates the governance of the coastal zone;

7. makes recommendations for the sustainable management of this vital and sensitive space.