W National Park (Benin)
The W National Park forms part of the WAP Complex, supporting lions, cheetahs, elephants and the end...
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16
Member Countries
200+
Eco Destinations
50+
Conservation Projects
10K+
Eco Travellers
Who We Are
Championing Sustainable Ecotourism in West Africa
The West African Eco Tourism Network (WAEN) is an initiative of the West Africa Tourism Organisation (WATO), established to promote, coordinate and advocate for responsible ecotourism across West Africa's 16 nations.
We connect communities, conservation organisations, tour operators and governments to ensure ecotourism contributes meaningfully to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Biodiversity Conservation
Community Empowerment
Sustainable Tourism
WATO Initiative
West Africa Tourism Organisation
Explore
Eco Destinations
Discover breathtaking landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries and vibrant ecosystems across West Africa.
Gambia River National Park
The Gambia River National Park is a chimpanzee sanctuary of international significance, also support...
Fouta Djallon Highlands
The Fouta Djallon highlands give rise to the Niger, Senegal and Gambia rivers. This dramatic landsca...
Cross River National Park
Cross River National Park is home to the critically endangered Cross River gorilla, chimpanzees and...
Basse Casamance National Park
Basse Casamance National Park encompasses 5,000 hectares of rich forest, mangroves and coastal ecosy...
Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park is one of Ghana's premier ecotourism destinations. The famous canopy walkway off...
Our Work
Conservation Projects
Protecting West Africa's ecosystems through community-led conservation initiatives and scientific partnerships.
Completed
Gambia River Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Securing the habitat of reintroduced chimpanzees and fostering low-impact river-based ecotourism in...
Active
Senegal Mangrove & Wetland Restoration
Restoring coastal mangrove forests in Senegal to build climate resilience and support community shel...
Active
Cross River Gorilla Protection Program
A community-led monitoring and anti-poaching initiative to save the critically endangered Cross Rive...
Latest
All News
News & Updates
Ecotourism Updates
WAEN Launches Regional Ecotourism Certification Programme
The West African Eco Tourism Network has officially launched a comprehensive certification programme...
Conservation News
Cross River Gorilla Population Shows Recovery Signs in New Survey
A new wildlife survey in Cross River National Park, Nigeria, has revealed encouraging population tre...
Community Stories
Gambia Community Lodge Wins African Responsible Tourism Award
The Tendaba Camp community-managed eco-lodge in The Gambia has been recognised with the prestigious...
Coming Up
Upcoming Events
10
Sep
2026
Ecotourism Operator Capacity Building Workshop
Dakar Marriott Hotel, Senegal
A practical 2-day workshop for ecotourism operators, lodge managers and tour gui...
View Details15
Oct
2026
WAEN Annual Ecotourism Summit 2026
Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana
The WAEN Annual Ecotourism Summit 2026 brings together ecotourism operators, con...
View Details06
Nov
2026
West Africa Conservation Finance Forum
Lagos Eko Hotel, Nigeria
A one-day forum connecting conservation project leaders with international funde...
View Details
Working Together
Our Partners
