Raising Awareness of the General Public on Shark Conservation in Benin

Dr. Rodrigue Pelebe joined a radio discussion on Sazué FM in Adjaha, located in the coastal commune of Grand-Popo, to raise public awareness about the urgent need to conserve sharks in Beninese waters. The radio outreach was organised by ECO-NATURE ONG as part of the project “Documenting Catches, Trade Network and Building Stakeholder Conservation Capacity to Save the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) in Benin,” funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation. During the program, discussions highlighted:

–       The biological vulnerability of sharks (late maturity, low reproductive rates, etc.)

–       Their crucial ecological role in maintaining balanced marine ecosystems

–       Their socio-economic importance, especially in relation to artisanal fisheries in Benin

Photo taken in the radio studio during the broadcast session. Photo © Chabi Onibon

Listeners learned that protecting sharks is not only about biodiversity, it is also about food security, nutrition, and safeguarding livelihoods. The pivotal sensitisation message shared with the audience was simple but powerful: “Saving a shark means preserving an ecosystem and livelihoods.” The project aims to encourage long-term behavioural change towards shark conservation, particularly for the scalloped hammerhead shark. At the same time, it is generating valuable data to guide future decision-making and support the development of effective management measures by national authorities.

Dr. Pelebe also expressed sincere gratitude to the fishing communities collaborating with ECO-NATURE ONG, as well as to all technical and financial partners, especially the Save Our Seas Foundation for supporting this important initiative.

Through continued outreach, research, and collaboration, ECO-NATURE ONG reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable management of fisheries biodiversity both marine and inland in Benin.