Zone Humide de la Rivière Pendjari

Mare Yanguali dans la plaine d’inondation de la Rivière Pendjari
Mares au Hippo dans la plaine d’inondation de la rivière Pendjari
Mare Yanguali dans la plaine d’inondation de la Rivière Pendjari

Zone Humide de la Rivière Pendjari

Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

The Site in the far north-west of Benin is one of the most important humid ecosystems in sub-sahelian West Africa, and features forest galleries, savannah and swampy meadows, alluvial plains, ponds, rivers, and dense dry forests within floodplains. This combination of habitats supports threatened species such as African elephant, cheetah and many bird species including black crowned crane Balearica pavonina. The ponds retain water during the dry season, attracting animals and tourists, and the Site plays an important role in sediment retention and stabilization of the banks of the River Pendjari. The local communities have the customary use rights on natural resources; their main activities include agriculture, animal breeding, fishing and hunting. The historic and archaeological value of the Site can be seen in ancient metal-working areas found there. The wildlife habitats are threatened by population pressure which has led to the partial declassification of the protected area. However, a participatory land use and management plan have been drawn up for the Site as well as a business plan to promote sustainable tourism. The Site was extended in 2018 from 144,774 ha to 483,366 ha, with the creation of the W-Arly-Pendjari transboundary Ramsar Site shared with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Transboundary designation: 
The "Complexe transfrontalier W-Arly-Pendjari" transboundary Ramsar Site was declared in 2018 and includes the following Sites: Benin: Site Ramsar du Complexe W and Zone Humide de la Rivière Pendjari; Burkina Faso: Parc National d'Arly and Parc National du W; Niger: Parc national du W and Zone humide du moyen Niger.

Administrative region: 
Administrativement, le site Ramsar 1669 est situé dans les communes de Tanguiéta, Matéri et Kèrou appartenant au Département de l’Atacora au Bénin

  • Global international designation: 
    • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
    • World Heritage site
  • National legal designation: 
    • Parc National - Parc National de la Pendjari
  • Last publication date: 
    10-09-2018

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents