After our initial trips to Benin and Togo, and laying the groundwork in Ghana for potential afforestation and reforestation projects, we finally set foot in Ghana to engage with local partners and government officials. We were thoroughly impressed by their efficiency and professionalism and quickly became partners in the government's Green Shield Initiative. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to sustainable land management and environmental restoration in the region.

After lengthy negotiations with three local kings, who, along with their communities, collectively own nearly 50,000 hectares of coastal land in Benin, we successfully concluded the discussions with three signed agreements. These contracts grant us exclusive management rights for mangrove afforestation and restoration projects on their lands.

During our inaugural trip to West Africa to assess the potential for afforestation and restoration projects, we connected with our longtime colleague, Dr. Christian Viaho, in Benin. There, we explored landscapes suitable for mangrove planting and identified opportunities. We also ventured briefly into Togo, where we established contact with potential partners to further our environmental initiatives in the region.