The University of Lomé in Togo and the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency (LuxDev) signed a training agreement on November 3, 2026. The partnership aims to establish a university-level program to improve the management of the country's protected areas. Supported by the European Union and Luxembourg, the initiative seeks to develop local expertise in biodiversity conservation and the financial and economic aspects of protected area management.
First Cohort to Include 30 Professionals
The program will offer 252 hours of instruction across 10 modules. The first cohort is expected to include 30 protected area managers and other professionals. Courses will cover ecology, environmental law, financial management, the green economy and sustainable tourism.
Togo has approximately 80 protected areas covering nearly 14% of its territory. These areas help preserve biodiversity and support livelihoods in nearby communities. In August 2026, Parliament adopted legislation governing the establishment and management of protected areas.
The training program is being developed with support from PALCC+/INCLURE, a broader €42.04 million (CFAF 27.5 billion) initiative aimed at supporting conservation and an inclusive green economy across five natural landscapes.
The University of Lomé's Laboratory of Botany and Plant Ecology will oversee the program in partnership with its Laboratory of Ecology and Ecotoxicology and Center for Public Law.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi