The Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin is the most intact ecosystem in West Africa. The reserve
is facing some major threats including resource erosion, poaching and encroachment of
agricultural land. The human impact on the reserve is increasing with the growing population.
The reserve is officially recognized as a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, implying that
sustainable and innovative solutions should be found to support the harmonious integration of
humans and nature. The human population living around Pendjari is estimated around 40,000
people. In 2017, park management was taken over by African Parks. Stricter rules and
punishments for exploitation of resources within the reserve were installed for conservation
purposes. A large part of the surrounding population depends on services provided by the reserve,
the most important one being food provision from agriculture.