33. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE OPERATIONALISATION OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. The government needs to introduce fast growing trees to enable communities get more access to sources of fuelwood and charcoal and not to encroach in forests.

2. The government needs to subsidize the cost of gaz (for household cocking) to make it more accessible to rural communities in order to reduce the pressure on forests. This should be possible because in Togo the price of one liter of fuel is 700 CFA FRANCS whereas in Senegal it is 990 CFA FRANCS. This implies that there is a possibility to subsidize the gaz and to make it accesible to communities.

3. There is a need to take full dvantage of the demographic dividend to involve youth in restoration activities in Togo. In fact in all African countries, the youth represent a significant percentage of the population. 

4. There is a need to find a student from the University of Lomé to work on charcoal exports from Togo as a master’s thesis. The reality is that Togo should not export charcoal. The sociological, ethical and political factors behind need to be understood. 

5. The improved stoves put up by the NGO, AGAIB need to be widely disseminated and scaled up to reduce the use of fuelwood and charcoal in rural areas.

6. The restoration of water sources needs to be encouraged to enable communities to get access to more potable water and to improve their health.

7. Restoration in community forests and in communal forests should always inlude non-timber forests products such as karité (Vitelaria paradoxa) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) which are very valuable species to communities.

Cultural campaigns are powerful tools for mobilizing large-scale community participation and fostering long-term commitment to FLR:

• Cultural Integration: Linking the "Miti" tree planting festival to cultural traditions created a sense of pride and ownership among community members, making restoration efforts relatable and engaging.
• Use of Social Media Influencers: Mobilizing local influencers expanded the reach of the campaign, ensuring broad public participation and awareness, particularly among younger demographics.
• Collaboration with Institutions: Partnerships with schools, businesses, and local government institutions ensured diverse participation and contributed to large-scale community engagement.
• Annual Campaign Model: Establishing "Miti" as an annual event institutionalized restoration activities, ensuring sustained momentum and recurring public interest in FLR.
• Localized Messaging: Tailored communication materials and campaigns addressed local environmental challenges, making FLR goals more relevant to the community

Long-term success depends on sustained support and adaptive management. Building local capacity for monitoring and maintenance creates a lasting impact beyond the initial project phase.

Aligning FLR activities with local economic needs is essential for long-term success. When farmers see improved yields and increased incomes, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Ensuring that restoration efforts contribute to immediate livelihood improvements motivates community members to actively participate in FLR.

Combining traditional and modern practices makes FLR more relevant to local contexts. When restoration techniques resonate with familiar practices, communities are more likely to engage in and adopt FLR activities because these methods feel accessible and practical. When local knowledge forms the basis of the restoration approach, communities feel that they are partners rather than passive recipients of aid. This sense of ownership is essential for the long-term management of restored areas, as communities feel personally responsible for maintaining and protecting these landscapes. Traditional knowledge also often includes time-tested methods that are well suited to the local environment, such as specific planting cycles or water conservation practices adapted to seasonal weather patterns.

Providing resources to professional staff as working partners makes implementation of activities easy.

Community involvement in boundary demarcation fosters respect and adherence to protected areas. When local residents actively participate in the boundary-setting process, they develop a stronger understanding of and commitment to respecting the forest’s limits. The process also highlighted that visible, physical markers are essential for maintaining clear boundaries, reducing misunderstandings and preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, engaging community leaders and traditional authorities in demarcation efforts enhances local accountability, as these respected figures can advocate for adherence within their communities. The exercise showed that boundary demarcation is most effective when supported by education on the ecological importance of the reserve, helping the community see the demarcation as a shared responsibility to protect resources that support local water supply, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Stricter by-laws are essential for effective resource management. Local enforcement, backed by traditional leaders, improves community adherence and fosters respect for regulations. Providing resources and equipment to community patrols ensures they are well-equipped to monitor forest activities, while judicial support enhances the enforcement of penalties. Community education about legal consequences builds understanding and discourages illegal activities. The Chief’s Forum’s role in sensitization and enforcement bridges the gap between traditional authority and formal governance, making enforcement measures more cohesive and effective.

Community education builds understanding and shifts attitudes towards conservation. When local leaders lead sensitization efforts, community members are more likely to trust and adopt sustainable practices. Field demonstrations of governance challenges provide tangible insights into the importance of resource management, reinforcing the value of conservation. Ongoing sensitization efforts are critical, as changing long-established behaviors takes time and consistency. Engagement must include practical guidance on alternative livelihoods to effectively reduce dependency on forest resources.