Togo | August 2025 – April 2027
Led by CASE TOGO – Amis de la Nature in partnership with the Municipality of Kpalimé
In the heart of Togo’s lush Plateaux region lies Kpalimé, a bustling town nestled among misty hills, lively markets and winding trails. Once surrounded by thick, species-rich forests, Kpalimé, like so many other places, has seen its green heritage slowly fade under the pressure of urban expansion, deforestation and climate change.
‘Trees for Kpalimé’ is a two-years community-driven reforestation and environmental education initiative aiming to create a 5-hectare forestry park and arboretum in Kpalimé. In addition, two hectares along the Danyi River shall be reforested to restore the gallery forest protecting the riverbanks and revitalising the ecosystem. By planting 5,000 trees representing over 30, partly endangered, native species, the project will restore urban green spaces, promote biodiversity conservation, and raise climate awareness among youth and citizens.
Planting today means protecting tomorrow’s climate. In Kpalimé, demographic pressure is leading to severe deforestation. This project is a response to increasingly scarce rainfall and environmental degradation.
Pablo Agbogan Yaovi, Secretary General of the Case TOGO-Amis de la Nature
Your Climate Fund donation enables:
- Plant 5,000 trees on 5 hectares, including endangered species such as mahogany, ebony, and iroko, alongside fast-growing and fruit trees.
- Create a living arboretum for research, seedling production, and species conservation.
- Raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and the role of trees in urban resilience.
- Train youth and students in sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship.
- Produce seeds and seedlings of endangered species for use by local communities and future projects.
- Protect and maintain the site through regular bushfire prevention and ecological monitoring.
Led by CASE TOGO-Amis de la Nature, this project builds on decades of experience in reforestation and environmental education. With the support of local authorities, development committees, and school clubs, this initiative is the first step toward a larger urban greening and ecosystem restoration strategy for the region.
Background
Kpalimé (Kloto Prefecture) is situated in the Plateaux Region of Togo, about 120 km northwest of Lomé, near the Ghanaian border. This subequatorial climate zone is rich in semi-deciduous forests and biodiversity, but it is under serious threat.
Over the past few decades, widespread deforestation, unsustainable agriculture (the area produces around 80% of Togo’s coffee and cocoa crop, making it a vital agricultural zone), charcoal production and urban sprawl have severely degraded the remaining forest cover.
Kpalimé, the largest city in the region (about 90 000 inhabitants), faces growing environmental challenges, including rising temperatures, soil erosion and biodiversity loss. The residents are increasingly disconnected from nature, and younger generations are growing up without knowing the forests that once covered their land. ‘Trees for Kpalimé’ aims to reverse this trend by creating an accessible, educational and ecologically rich green space within the city.
Planned activities
Awareness and Mobilization
- Community outreach on climate and forest conservation
- School-based sensitization campaigns
Capacity Building
- Training for volunteers and students in nursery management and tree planting
- Workshops on endangered species and biodiversity
Tree Production & Site Preparation
- Production of seedlings at CASE TOGO’s central nursery
- Land preparation, fencing, and bushfire prevention
Planting & Maintenance
- Community tree-planting days
- Regular maintenance, watering, and mulching
- Land protection (strapping to prevent bush fires)
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Monthly progress reviews
- Quarterly technical assessments
- Final project impact evaluation
Expected Outcomes
- A new 5-hectare forestry park established in Kpalimé
- 5,000+ trees planted, including endangered species
- Local people trained in forestry techniques
- School clubs actively engaged in environmental stewardship
- Increased community awareness of climate issues and ecosystem services
- Seed stock of endangered species available for future restoration efforts
About CASE TOGO – Amis de la Nature
Founded in 1997, CASE TOGO is a respected environmental NGO based in Togo and a member of:
- Naturefriends International
- RAFAN – Réseau Africain des Amis de la Nature
- COPAGEN – Coalition pour la Protection du Patrimoine Génétique Africain
For several years, Case TOGO – Amis de la Nature has been running educational and reforestation projects. The NGO intends to continue this momentum by expanding its reforestation activities and mobilising more funding to ensure the project’s long-term viability.
Join us in turning degraded land into hope for Kpalimé’s future.
Let’s plant today for a greener, healthier tomorrow.
Contact: Elena Teutsch elena.teutsch@nf-org.int
Thank you very much for your donations, which contribute to a good future for all people!