This project involves development of conservation strategies for selected forest tree species. The project is being implemented in the framework of SAFORGEN programme, with funding support from UNEP.

Three SAFORGEN member countries have been selected to implement the project:

         Benin: The country has selected to work on two fodder tree species, Khaya senegalensis and Afzelia africana because of the high level of pressure on the species in the northern part of the country

         Kenya: The country is working on two forest food tree species, Tamarindus indica and Dialium orientale.

         Togo: The country has chosen two medicinal tree species, Alstonia boonei and Nauclea latifolia, which are endangered because of over-exploitation as a result of their anti-malarial properties.

After an ecogeographic survey, each participating country has to assess the genetic diversity of the species by using genetic (isozyme or molecular) marker techniques. The level of threats has been measured by using IUCN methodology. Countries have also studied the regeneration of the species through dendrometric measurements (diameter class sizes).

 Activities completed for each species:

         Ecogeographic survey – assessing the species distribution within the country
         Dendrometric measurements
          Assessing the level and the distribution of threats within the country

The genetic distribution within the country for each species is still awaited.   

Main outputs:

·         The distribution the distribution maps of the species within each country
·         Maps of level of threats according to different ecogeographic zones of the country
·         The level of regeneration of the species according to each ecogeographic zone.