Message from the Director General

Welcome message from the Director General of ABPC

Dear citizens, partners and visitors,

Welcome to the digital platform of the Benin Civil Protection Agency (ABPC). As Director General, it is with immense satisfaction that I offer you this space for exchange and information dedicated to an essential mission for our nation: civil protection.

The ABPC’s mission cannot be accomplished without active cooperation. The security of our country and its inhabitants depends on synergy between institutions, local authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and, above all, every citizen. This website aims to be a catalyst for strengthening this collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting a genuine culture of security and resilience in Benin.

We invite you to explore the various aspects of our work: from risk mapping and awareness campaigns to emergency planning and training for response teams. Our goal is to make information accessible to everyone, to share best practices, and to provide you with the tools you need to act in a crisis.

An informed and prepared population is our best ally in the face of challenges and unforeseen events. Explore our resources, familiarize yourself with alert procedures and safety guidelines, and actively participate in protecting your community. Together, we have the power to strengthen our collective capacity to prevent, manage, and overcome crises.

Your questions, suggestions, and involvement are invaluable to us. We encourage you to use this site as a space for interaction and active participation in civil protection in Benin.

With my most respectful greetings, Abdel Aziz BIO DJIBRIL

Director General of the Benin Civil Protection Agency

Risk awareness

Disaster risk awareness in Benin is a key component of the national strategy to strengthen the resilience of populations to natural and man-made hazards. Here is an overview of the main aspects of this awareness campaign:

1. Awareness-raising objectives:

Inform and educate:

• Inform the public about the different types of risks (floods, fires, droughts, etc.) and their consequences.
• Educating on prevention measures and appropriate behavior in the event of a disaster.

Strengthen preparation:

• Encourage people to develop family and community relief plans.
• Promote awareness of early warning systems and evacuation procedures.

Promoting resilience:

• Developing the capacity of communities to adapt to risks and recover after a disaster.
• Promote safer construction and land development practices.

2. Key actors in awareness-raising:

Benin Civil Protection Agency (ABPC):

• She is at the forefront of raising awareness, with information campaigns and training programs.

National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation to Climate Change (PNRRCC-ACC):

• She coordinates awareness efforts and ensures consistency in messaging.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs):

• They carry out local awareness campaigns, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Media:

• They disseminate information on risks and prevention measures, and relay alerts.

Local authorities:

• They play a crucial role in raising awareness at the community level.

3. Awareness-raising methods:

Information campaigns:

• Broadcasting messages on radio, television and social media.
• Displaying signs and distributing leaflets.

Education :

• Integrating risk education into school curricula.
• Organization of workshops and training sessions for teachers and community facilitators.

Simulations and exercises:

• Organizing disaster simulations to test emergency plans and raise public awareness.

Local communication:

• Organizing public meetings and educational talks in neighborhoods and villages.
• Use of communication materials adapted to different populations (local languages, images, etc.).

4. Challenges to overcome:

Lack of resources:

• Awareness-raising activities require significant financial and human resources.

Difficulty in reaching vulnerable populations:

• The populations most exposed to risks are often the most difficult to reach.

Low level of awareness:

• Some populations are not aware of the risks or do not take the necessary preventative measures.

Coordination:  

• Coordination between the various stakeholders involved in raising awareness needs to be strengthened. 

Despite these challenges, constant efforts are being made to raise awareness among the population about disaster risks in Benin.