Initiative for local growth, responsible resource use and the balance of protected ecosystems (INCLURE)

Context

In Togo, protected natural areas play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, regulating the climate and sustaining the livelihoods of local populations. However, they face significant pressures due to poverty, deforestation, extensive agriculture and urbanisation. At the same time, the rapid growth of cities – particularly regional capitals – is leading to increased waste generation and sanitation needs, with direct impacts on public health and the environment.

The Initiative for local growth, responsible resource use and the balance of protected ecosystems (INCLURE) addresses these challenges by reconciling ecosystem protection, local economic development and improved environmental governance. The programme aligns with national priorities on sustainable development, climate change mitigation and decentralisation, placing territories and local populations at the heart of its action.

Objectives

The programme’s overall objective is to contribute to poverty reduction in Togo. More specifically, it aims to strengthen the resilience of communities through better environmental management and public sanitation services.

To achieve this, INCLURE works simultaneously on four complementary pillars:

• improving the management of protected areas;
• developing an inclusive green economy around these areas;
• strengthening local waste management and sanitation systems;
• strengthening the capacities of public institutions and local authorities.

The intervention combines concrete investments, technical support and participatory governance to create lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems.

Beneficiaries

The programme primarily benefits populations living around protected areas and in the regional capitals targeted by the intervention; 19 municipalities are involved. It focuses on rural communities, urban households, women and youth, as well as local economic actors engaged in the green economy and waste management. Local authorities and public services are also major beneficiaries.

Targeted geographical areas

INCLURE operates in several key areas of Togo linked to major protected natural sites, such as the Missahoe Classified Forest, the Togodo Protected Area Complex, Fazao-Malfakassa National Park and the Abdoulaye Wildlife Reserve. This targeting allows the programme to act both in rural areas heavily dependent on natural resources and in urban centres facing increasing environmental and sanitation challenges.

Stakeholders

The programme is financed by the European Union and Luxembourg Cooperation. It is implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest Resources, Coastal Protection and Climate Change, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Local Governance and Customary Affairs, local authorities, local communities, civil society organisations and private sector actors.