Benin has significantly increased the area of two Wetlands of International Importance. Together they now cover the entire coast of Benin, forming a vast and important complex of wetlands.
Basse Vallée du Couffo, Lagune Côtiere, Chenal Aho, Lac Ahémé (Ramsar Site no. 1017) has been extended from the original area of 47,500 hectares designated in 2001 to cover over 524,000 ha, including the valleys of the Couffo, Mono and Sazué rivers.
The Site provides habitats for turtles and birds, and spawning grounds for fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Its mangrove swamps, flooded grasslands and wooded savannah are home to around 233 bird species, over 90 fish and 364 plant species. The diverse fauna includes a number of threatened species including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
The Ramsar Site overlaps with the Mono UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for which a management plan is being implemented with the participation of the local communities.