From August 1 to 3, 2025, in Bongor, the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project team carried out an activity to present and disseminate maps of ecological and socio-economic restoration sites located in the Logone floodplains and the Toupouri depressions. The goal was to strengthen community support for the proposed boundaries and ensure they align with local realities.
The specific objectives were to:
- Present and explain the maps and their boundaries to community leaders and decentralized administrative authorities;
- Gather feedback and concerns from local authorities and communities;
- Identify necessary adjustments based on community input.
Following an introduction to the project by the regional communications specialist, the geographic information systems (GIS) expert presented the maps produced under the project before opening the discussion session. For two hours, community leaders engaged with the project team, raising questions about map boundaries, potential conflict risks, and possible solutions to prevent them.
These discussions helped participants gain a better understanding of the project’s sites and sub-sites, as well as their boundaries, and reach a consensus on the restoration areas. The feedback collected has been integrated into the planning of future activities.
Active participation of local communities and decentralized authorities remains essential to ensure that mapped boundaries reflect on-the-ground realities, local needs, and traditional land use practices.
The mission concluded with a visit to the display stands to review the maps, followed by their handover to each community leader and local authority for their respective sites.
The Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission and several other partners.
