Togo Establishes Mobile Brigades for Environmental, Forest Monitoring

Togo’s Ministry of Environment, Forest Resources, Coastal Protection and Climate Change announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, that it was setting up mobile environmental and forest patrol units to tackle the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The brigades are being established amid continued deforestation, illegal logging and environmental degradation. They will patrol forests, waterways and other vulnerable areas and respond to suspected illegal activity. They will also track illegal timber supply and processing networks, record and penalize environmental violations, and support local authorities in resolving disputes over natural-resource use. The move is part of Togo’s broader efforts to protect its ecosystems. In August, the National Assembly adopted a law governing the creation and management of protected areas. The legislation covers the protection of natural areas, biodiversity, water resources, soils and landscapes. The new brigades are intended to give authorities a stronger field presence and improve enforcement against activities that damage the country’s natural resources.