I presented my research findings on how Indigenous and local communities’ initiatives drive positive social and environmental change in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Benin. The presentation explored key insights from the study and contributed to discussions on sustainability and social–ecological transformations. It examined how locally led initiatives grounded in Indigenous knowledge, customary laws, and cultural practices support mangrove sustainability, protect aquatic resources, and contribute to social justice, equity, and conflict resolution. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and empowering local communities in conservation decision-making and providing them with accessible support to strengthen these initiatives. I was honored to receive the Most Engaging and Best Presentation award at the colloquium, recognizing the quality and impact of my presentation.
