On September 30, 2025, in Agbodrafo, Togo officially launched the process of creating its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the WACA Project. This initiative aims to preserve threatened coastal ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of communities living along the coastline.

The establishment of this MPA marks an important milestone in the country’s strategy for sustainable coastal management. It will help conserve fishery resources, protect natural habitats, and support local economic activities.

The launch brought together institutional, community, and technical stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, local authorities, and partners of the WACA Program such as the World Bank, the GEF, UEMOA, FAO, and IUCN.

One of these partners, IUCN, represented by Mallé Diagana, Coordinator of the WACA BAR, shared with Togolese stakeholders the experiences of Senegal and Mauritania in the sustainable management of Marine Protected Areas, encouraging them to support the initiative and take ownership of the process.

A national roadmap was presented to guide the creation of the MPA. Its implementation should enable Togo, within a year, to establish a fully operational Marine Protected Area and join the Network of Marine Protected Areas of West Africa (RAMPAO).