About the foundation – long-standing experience, youthful commitment

The Foundation Tobé Benin was established in Switzerland in 1999 and was officially recognised in Benin in 2007. For Karin Ostertag, the founder and executive director, it was important that the foundation’s work be officially recognised both in Switzerland and in Benin. In 2023, the recognition granted by the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was renewed for the third time.

Objectives of the foundation

1. Ecological management of the Tobé forest and other forests in Benin
2. Promotion of beekeeping as a sustainable companion to forest conservation
3. Creative and culturally rooted education for children

Organisation

The foundation is guided by a board of trustees and financed by committed donors (private individuals and organisations). In 2017, the Board was revitalised with the appointment of a new President, Barbara Dankwa-Egli, who had previously served as an intern with the Foundation. This generational renewal reflects the strong involvement of young people in the field, while preserving the valuable experience built up over the years.

People involved

Karin Ostertag, the executive director, first travelled to Benin in the 1980s. Today, she lives between Cotonou, the main city in southern Benin, and Koko, a village rooted in Yoruba culture in the Bantè region, located about 360 kilometres inland. Koko has around 8000 inhabitants, most of whom are farmers. Together with the local landowners, Karin Ostertag works for the conservation of the Tobé forest. The introduction of modern beekeeping increases the income of beekeepers while at the same time contributing to the protection of the forest. After 26 years, the first generation of collaborators has emerged: independent, responsible and firmly rooted locally. With their support, Karin Ostertag can now carry out small-scale, local and direct development cooperation throughout Benin.

Rodrigue Castro Gbedomon comes from the region in Benin that inspired the creation of the Tobé foundation. His parents – early supporters of the foundation’s idea – raised him with a deep respect for the environment and for African traditions. With the support of the foundation, Rodrigue Castro Gbedomon continued his studies in environmental sciences and later obtained a doctorate in management sciences for natural resources and biodiversity. He is currently a scientific collaborator at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Geneva, and Research Director of the African Center for Equitable Development. Rodrigue Castro Gbedomon actively participates in the projects of the foundation. He contributes his expertise in environmental matters and helps with the design, implementation and evaluation of projects. His aim is to return to his homeland and continue the work of the foundation.

The board of trustees, consisting of Barbara Dankwa-Egli, Claire Karrer, Annina Ostertag and Silvana Weber, is responsible for the strategic and organisational management of the foundation in Switzerland. The activities of the four trustees include raising awareness of the foundation, establishing contacts, fundraising, bookkeeping, correspondence and the publication of the annual report. All members of the board of trustees serve on a voluntary basis.

In memory

Together with her husband Fritz Ostertag, Ruth Ostertag founded the foundation in Switzerland in 1999. For 18 years she served as president of the board of trustees with great dedication and commitment. Even afterwards she remained closely involved as a member of the board and continued to support the foundation actively, particularly in administrative work and in responding to donation requests. In December 2023 her life came to an end and we had to say farewell to her. The foundation will continue its work in her spirit.

When the drummer changes the rhythm, the dance changes.

Background information on Benin

Benin today has a population of more than 14 million people. The country has no significant natural resources. Its economy relies mainly on agriculture, the port of Cotonou and tourism. More than two thirds of the population work in agriculture, which is largely practised using traditional hoe-based farming methods. The main crops are maize, sorghum, cassava, yams, sweet potatoes, legumes and cotton. In addition to these traditional crops, cashew, palm kernels and pineapples are also cultivated.

Under Western influence, cities and urban areas are growing rapidly. The aim of the Foundation Tobé Benin is to create and maintain as many paid jobs as possible in Koko and the surrounding region in order to reduce migration to the cities. A good life in the village is possible when general education is combined with a modern outlook.

Religiously, Benin is very diverse. Alongside Christianity and Islam, many people practise traditional religions. According to the most recent census, around 18 percent of the population officially identify with the Voodoo religion, and Benin is considered the cradle of this faith.

The country was formerly known as Dahomey, named after the historic Kingdom of Dahomey of the Fon culture, which covered the southern part of present-day Benin until its conquest by the French at the end of the nineteenth century. On 1 August 1960, the country gained independence as the «Republic of Dahomey». From 1975 to 1990, under a dictatorial regime, the country was called the «People’s Republic of Benin». In 1990 democracy was introduced peacefully and the country was renamed the «Republic of Benin». Since 2002, the Republic of Benin has been undergoing a decentralisation process in which municipalities and villages – such as Koko – assume greater administrative responsibility in local governance.

Source (excerpt): Wikipedia

Geographical location in Africa

Koko in Benin

Only when it spreads its wings does a bird become great.