Understanding the conservation challenges of armed conflicts in protected areas: insights from the W–Arly–Pendjari Complex in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger

Armed conflicts, particularly those involving violent extremist groups like Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, pose severe threats to conservation efforts in the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex, a critical transboundary World Heritage site spanning Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. A study using the participative Delphi technique identified political, economic, and social factors—especially local community marginalization—as key drivers of insecurity. The research highlights that military action and regional cooperation are essential to counter terrorism, while conservation managers should adopt community-focused strategies to reduce vulnerability and counter local alliances with extremist groups. These findings underscore the need for adaptive management approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of violent extremism on protected areas.

Houehounha, D. H. M., Vermeulen, C., Akpona, H., Lhoest, S., Tobada, A. M., Laly, J., & Hugé, J. (2025). Understanding the conservation challenges of armed conflicts in protected areas: insights from the W–Arly–Pendjari Complex in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. Oryx, 59(6), 709–719. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605325101683