I Commit to a Resilient Environment (PERE)
The Benin Network of the World Youth Parliament for Water (RB/PMJE) is a non-political, non-profit association of committed young volunteers whose main mission is to help make the right to water, hygiene and sanitation a reality in our communities.
Overview of the project
The PERE Project (Pour un Environnement Résilient, je m’Engage – For a Resilient Environment, I Commit) is an initiative led by the Benin Network of the World Youth Parliament for Water (RB/PMJE). Its overall objective is to raise awareness and strengthen the commitment of children and young people to environmental protection through concrete actions such as reforestation and awareness-raising against plastic pollution, as part of World Environment Day 2025. The project is part of the global drive to restore ecosystems and reduce plastic pollution, the flagship theme of the 2025 edition. On this occasion, 10,000 seedlings were planted, including 1,000 seedlings distributed among five schools in five municipalities in Benin and 9,000 seedlings for the reforestation of a classified forest. The PERE project also produced and distributed an educational video to raise awareness about plastic pollution and launched an inter-school challenge to encourage the maintenance of planted trees and the adoption of everyday eco-friendly practices. Beyond these actions, the PERE project is a citizen and educational movement that mobilises pupils, teachers, local authorities and young volunteers around a common ideal: building a healthy, resilient and sustainable environment. By cultivating ecological awareness and promoting local initiatives, the project contributes to embedding a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility in Benin.
The overall objective of this project is to contribute to raising awareness and engaging children and young people in environmental protection through concrete actions such as reforestation and raising awareness about plastic pollution, as part of World Environment Day 2025.
Ongoing research
O5 Juin 2025 au O5 Juin 2026
More than 800 pupils educated about the impact of plastic bags on the environment in five municipalities in Benin (Porto-Novo, Lokossa, Parakou, Djougou and Natitingou). An educational video for children, produced on the harmful effects of plastic bags, which can be used for other educational sessions on this topic. 1,000 trees and fruit trees planted on the grounds of the targeted schools; 9,000 plants planted in the Ahozon forest to develop this classified forest, which is home to exceptional biodiversity; 400 Afzélia africana plants planted, contributing to the protection of this species, which is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN and on the national red list.
Strengthening environmental awareness among young people through awareness-raising activities that have fostered a better understanding of environmental and climate issues among pupils, teachers and local communities.
Improving the living environment and greening school grounds by planting fruit trees and forest trees, helping to create healthier, more attractive environments that are conducive to learning.
Adopting eco-responsible behaviours through an inter-school challenge encouraging pupils to reduce their use of plastics and to care for the plants they have planted.
Strengthening the visibility and credibility of the RB/PMJE as a key player in mobilising young people for the environment.
The project was mainly funded by the MTN Benin Foundation and the Benin Waste Management Company (SGDS).
organisation
The Benin Network of the World Youth Parliament for Water (RB/PMJE) is a non-political, non-profit association of committed young volunteers whose main mission is to help make the right to water, hygiene and sanitation a reality in our communities by strengthening the capacities of young people and implementing inclusive initiatives. Its objectives include: representing Beninese youth in debates and decision-making on water, hygiene and sanitation issues; initiating and/or coordinating the implementation of programmes and projects aimed at improving Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the context of climate change; and advocacy.
Other partners: Directorate-General for Water, Forests and Hunting
Support: Mayor of Natitingou Youth; CPF2A