Advancing the understanding of Indigenous and Local Knowledge practices in mangrove ecosystem sustainability in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in West Africa (Benin Republic-Togo)

Introduction The participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) is essential for biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, as they have in-depth, alternative strategies and cross-generational knowledge on how to conserve local biodiversity and sustain ecosystem resilience. Despite the different understandings of their associated knowledge in conservation practices, the perceived contribution of their knowledge in the form of rituals, taboos, and totems has proven to be useful in natural resource management. Nevertheless, the various threats facing Indigenous practices pose significant challenges in the quest for ecosystem sustainability. Methods Based on the availability of Indigenous knowledge, its use in conservation practices, and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and nature, we used the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (MTBR) that extends across the Togo and Benin Republic boundary as a case study. From March to April 2024, we conducted mixed-method research by documenting what is understood and considered Indigenous and Local Knowledge in mangrove conservation practices in the Benin Republic and Togo, factors threatening its use, and mapping the main knowledge holders in the reserve. A total of 70 Indigenous and Local Knowledge holders were interviewed through semi-structured interviews and surveyed in eight villages in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Results We found that the understanding of Indigenous knowledge in the MTBR is grounded in Vodoun principles and philosophies. Its practices are used by the village chiefs, Vodoun priests, cultural guardians, and traditional healers in the form of beliefs, taboos, totems, customs, rituals, and rules applied in conserving the local biodiversity and sustaining the cultural values of mangrove ecosystems. Our findings showcase the rich connections between the knowledge and practices of IPLCs and ecosystem conservation, emphasizing the need for preserving the region's rich biocultural diversity. However, the death of Indigenous practice holders, migration, western knowledge, and Christianity are halting the effective use of Indigenous practices, which in turn negatively impact mangrove ecosystem sustainability in the reserve. Conclusion We conclude that the future of Indigenous practices in mangrove ecosystem sustainability in Benin Republic and Togo in West Africa is full of uncertainty, putting the mangrove ecosystem at risk of future degradation. By documenting these practices, we hope to highlight their importance in preserving biocultural diversity and encourage further studies to explore Indigenous pathways to strengthen mangrove ecosystem stewardship in the reserve.