Influences of Subdivision Operations on the dynamics of Lagoon Wetlands on the Benin Coastline

Every subdivision today shapes the city of tomorrow (Azalou, 2015). Designed as tools capable of planning space, opening the city, and creating it to meet the socio-economic infrastructure needs of the population, land subdivision operations in Benin are at the center of serious concerns, even facing challenges from the central government. 'Planning issues are raised in terms of occupying areas unsuitable for housing, fragility of built surfaces, and the quality of sanitation works.' (Danvide, 2015). Nowadays, locating changes in land use and associated landscape transformations, drawing or mapping the future landscape shaped by change dynamics, is no longer possible without appropriate technologies and tools.

The present study aims to examine the factors influencing the degradation of Cotonou’s lagoon wetlands and to analyze the technological, legal, and politico-administrative responses to curb the degradation of these areas in the Republic of Benin. The methodological approach involves documentary research primarily focused on analyzing all scientific documentation related to wetlands, subdivisions, and sustainable development issues. We also conducted surveys and collected satellite data. Thus, subdivision operations, while involved in land use changes and the degradation of wetlands, are not solely responsible. Human activities and other anthropogenic pressures are also implicated in the degradation of these areas. In Benin, besides digital and two- and three-dimensional technologies, there is a full legal framework in place to curb the degradation of wetlands in southern Benin and to protect the water bodies and waterways of Greater Nokoué, including Law 2018-10 of July 2, 2018, on the protection, development, and enhancement of the coastal area in the Republic of Benin.