Laboratory of Applied Ecology (LEA)
Headed by Professor Brice SINSIN , the mission of the LEA is not only to provide training, but also to conduct innovative and applied research across various national, regional, and international ecosystems in fields related to the management and enhancement of natural or agroforestry areas.
It is a reference laboratory in the West African sub-region with the objectives of contributing to the improved management of Protected Areas (such as the Pendjari and W Biosphere Reserves, the Trois Rivières classified forest, the classified forests of Goungoun and Sota in northern Benin; the classified forests of Wari-Maro, Monts Kouffé, and Agoua in central Benin; and the classified or private forests of Lama, Niaouli, Pobè, and Pahou in southern Benin), the participatory and sustainable development of natural ecosystems and forest plantations, and the development of effective strategies for the management of species under intense exploitation pressure as well as their adaptation to the harmful effects of climate change.
Pursuant to Article 7 of Law No. 2021–04 of July 8, 2021, on the protection and regulations relating to the international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora in the Republic of Benin, the LEA hosts the Scientific Council of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).