Fundraising

The Government of Benin demonstrated its strong commitment to establishing the Foundation by allocating contributions in the national budgets for 2008, 2009, and 2010, totaling 11 billion CFA francs, equivalent to €1.5 million.

The German Government, within the framework of the ProCGRN (Program for the Conservation and Management of Natural Resources), supported the establishment of WASF through technical cooperation (GIZ) in 2003 and financial cooperation (KfW), confirming a financial contribution of €12 million, with additional technical and financial support from the IUCN amounting to approximately €40,000 during the start-up phase beginning in October 2009.

WASF has also benefited from funding mobilized through the GEF/FEM and IDA (World Bank), totaling US$6.9 million, including US$1.9 million from the GEF and US$5 million from IDA.

The 2008 Round Table confirmed the interest of key partners such as the French Development Agency (AFD), given the exceptional biodiversity value of the WAP complex.

Efforts to mobilize funds from other stakeholders must be strengthened and better targeted. In this regard, it is important to adopt a systematic and proactive approach, particularly toward innovative funding sources, including the private sector.

Thanks to these funds, WASF has already been able to finance field activities, based on an Operations Manual that ensures transparent and equitable allocation of revenues.