Mangrove Ecosystem Services, Associated Threats and Implications for Wellbeing in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Togo-Benin), West-Africa

Mangroves are important coastal ecosystems, which deliver diverse and crucial services to humans. This study explored the diversity of mangrove ecosystem services, their associated threats as well as their contribution to livelihoods and wellbeing of coastal communities in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (MTBR) located between Benin and Togo. Data were collected using the exploratory sequential mixed method. The approach included field reconnaissance, focus group discussions (n = 14), in-depth interviews (n = 17), household survey (n = 274) and direct observations. A total of 21 services and 7 associated threats were recorded in the entire reserve. Provisioning services were the most important service for mangroves in the reserve followed by supporting services, regulating services and cultural services. Change in water salinity, mangrove overharvesting and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing were the three major threats to mangrove ecosystem services in the reserve. Most of the respondents indicated that the current flow of provisioning services, regulating services and cultural services does not sustain their wellbeing and livelihoods. However, the perception varied significantly across respondents' gender, ethnical groups, educational background and country. Our study showed some similarities between the two countries but also highlighted important differences which can assist the sustainable management of mangroves in the MTBR.

Automated summary

Mangroves are important coastal ecosystems that provide diverse and crucial services to humans. This study investigated the diversity of mangrove ecosystem services, their associated threats, and their contribution to the livelihoods and wellbeing of coastal communities in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (MTBR) between Benin and Togo. The findings showed that mangroves in the reserve are primarily valued for their provisioning services, followed by supporting, regulating, and cultural services. The major threats to mangrove ecosystem services identified were changes in water salinity, overharvesting, and illegal fishing. The perception of the importance of these services varied among respondents based on their gender, ethnic group, educational background, and country.