Cutting trees along river banks is creating desertification in northern Benin. Without tree roots to hold soil in place, topsoil washes away. The river bank turns to sand, which local people dig and sell. Agriculture is no longer possible. Bio-Benin is educating locals about this destruction and planting trees along the waterways to restore them to health. We provide training for them to make a living in other ways. Our success will give us all water to drink, for food, for fishing, for LIFE!
Local people are cutting trees along the river for cooking and selling the resulting sand for construction. The river is running faster and flooding more frequently; topsoil is being washed away and agriculture becoming impossible. Over time this area will turn into a desert, destroying the fresh water supply for our town.
Bio-Benin created a documentary and is talking to local village people to educate them in their local languages about the destructive effects of cutting trees along waterways. We are buying tree seedlings and working with entire villages to plant them along the waterways; helping buy stoves that use less wood or recycled oil to cook food; training women for other employment to replace revenue from selling sand and charcoal.
Long-term this will preserve the largest river in Natitingou, from which residents get all their fresh water. It will help prevent flooding during the rainy season and preserve the topsoil for agriculture. The trees will provide protection for the river banks and an oasis of calm for the local birds, bees, butterflies and humans who fish in its water and bathe themselves when the weather is hot. Without water, there is no life!
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