Lomé Hosts 14 African Countries for Talks on Sustainable Landscape Management
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 16:38 
(Togo First) - Togo has been hosting a regional workshop of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) on forest landscape restoration since Tuesday, June 23, in Lomé. The event brings together representatives from the organization's 14 African member countries to discuss tools and approaches aimed at improving sustainable land and forest management.
The workshop seeks to promote the use of ITTO guidelines in reforestation, agroforestry and ecosystem restoration projects. Participants are receiving training on the planning, implementation and monitoring of restoration initiatives, with particular attention to the economic, social and environmental conditions of local communities.
In Togo, the forestry sector plays an important role in protecting soils, preserving water resources and supporting the agricultural activities that many people rely on for their livelihoods.
According to Togolese authorities, the country aims to restore 1.4 million hectares of forest landscapes by 2030. The target is part of the national reforestation strategy and aligns with a presidential commitment to plant one billion trees over the same period.
Official figures show that tens of millions of seedlings have already been planted since the launch of the national reforestation campaign.
Beyond its environmental benefits, landscape restoration also offers opportunities to attract international climate finance. Forestry projects are increasingly central to funding mechanisms related to carbon markets, desertification control and climate adaptation efforts.
The Lomé meeting is expected to help participating countries strengthen their capacity to design projects that meet the requirements of international donors. A field visit to the Missahoé Forest Reserve is also planned, allowing participants to observe restoration initiatives that have already been implemented in Togo.
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