As every year, the NGO Benin, Culture, Development and Friendship (BCDA) was there for International Mountain Day (IMD) on December 11. A tradition that has been respected for a few years now, but with a theme for 2022 in honor of Women.
From December 10 to 11, 2022, the NGO Benin, Culture, Development and Friendship (BCDA) organized a series of activities in Natitingou to commemorate International Mountain Day (IMD) at the end of 2022. An occasion to celebrate Nature in communion and to remember that we must above all take good care of it. Placed under the theme "Women move mountains", this 22nd edition began with communications and intellectual reflections on issues relating to respect and the preservation of the environment. And this in view of climate change which no longer spares any part of the globe.
It was in the premises of the NGO BCDA that the said activities began on December 10. On the occasion, several personalities were invited. After the introductory remarks of the Main Facilitator, Mrs. Mariam Sabi Nanta, the Executive Director of BCDA, Michel Nahouan took the floor to welcome the participants and present the objectives pursued by BCDA. In turn, intervened Captain Nassirou Brisso representing the Head of Forest Inspection of Atacora, the Representative of the Federation of Agro-ecological Associations of Benin (FAEB), Théophile Wuemenou.
In his speech, the Captain of Waters, Forests and Hunting Nassirou Brisso stressed that the JIM is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of mountains and encourage them to organize activities such as reforestation, presentation of virtual events, artistic and photographic competitions or hikes. According to him, the mountain provides us with services that are practically invisible to the naked eye. Without these mountains we could not lead a healthy and productive life. As for Théophile Wuemenou, he praised the relevance of the theme of this edition. And he particularly emphasized that women generally have faith and the Bible says that with faith we can move a mountain just by talking to the mountain. He took the opportunity to convey the messages of greetings from the President of the FAEB Mr. Pierre Bédié and the Secretary General of SECAAR (Christian Support Service for Rural Animation Based in Togo). He returned to the fact that mountainous regions are the most affected by climate change. But at the same time they also offer enormous possibilities for solutions.
The main communication was presented by Bienvenu Sotima Mante. Also, the communicator gave an overview of the theme of this 22nd edition. In his speech, he indicated that, in his various roles as water supplier for the household, doctor of the family and especially of his children, responsible for food, to name but a few, women in mountain areas strive to protect the various products against the predation of men and animals in order to have them as sustainably nearby as possible to be able to carry out their various tasks. It is the primary vehicle for transmitting knowledge to children. In view of these different actions of women, she positions herself as the actor to put at the heart of the different strategies for a better fight in favor of the conservation of biodiversity and the security of water and water. food etc.
Women move mountains for the effectiveness of a fight in favor of safeguarding mountain biodiversity. This tendency would even be linked to its nature according to Natacha Zuinen who underlines that “the sensitivity of women for sustainable development is often explained from factors relating to the particular relationship between women and the environment. These explanatory factors are located in particular at the level of the values inherent in the nature of women, linked to the reproductive function of women, nature and function which would make them more sensitive to the life and future of future generations and which would explain that they have a dynamic view of society. They are also situated at the level of their function of mistress of the house which is still widespread in patriarchal societies, which would give them a more integrated vision of the relations between human beings, their consumption activities and their natural environment”. Zuinen, N. (2002)
Women move the mountains, force of a perennial fight for the safeguard of the environment of the regions of the mountains. It is therefore clear that women are fertile ground in the fight for the preservation of the environment. They have the potential to be a major agent of change.
So, all that remains is to give it the space and the means to fight to move the mountains to fight for the preservation of biodiversity in mountain regions.
What can we do ?
To trigger a real chance for sustainable development, it is important to bring about transformative change that promotes gender equality, that empowers mountain women to participate effectively in decision-making processes with equal opportunities and control over productive resources. Access to technology, credit, capacity development, markets and land ownership can increase gender equality and provide opportunities for women and girls.
At the end of this communication, there were many contributions and concerns ranging from the low representation of women in decision-making and action circles, the difficulties of access to land in Atacora, particularly for women, the disappearance of certain heritage plant species, the incivility in terms of respect for the various legislative texts which govern the protection of the environment.
With regard to access to land in particular, the subject is worrying in Atacora, given that the mountains occupy large areas, de facto restricting cultivable areas. On the other hand, the destruction of vegetation means that plants for traditional medicine are gradually disappearing. Finally, certain traditions and cultural practices remain an obstacle to the correct application of the texts and laws in force in favor of the environment.
Following this first day devoted to reflections and exchanges which led to the adoption of an action plan, the day of December 11 was devoted essentially to a pedestrian excursion on the assembly with a small group of volunteers. . This hiking activity gave everyone the opportunity to see in situ and firsthand the state of health of the environment in the Atacora mountains in Benin Republic. Which is characterized by a progressive degradation of vegetation and fauna and therefore of biodiversity challenges everyone in more ways than one.
By Marcus Boni Teiga with the NGO BCDA
