ECO-BENIN
ECO-BENIN is a Beninese non-profit NGO founded in 1999 that operates responsible ecotourism circuits, mangrove restoration, and improved cookstove (Wanrou) programs serving international travelers, volunteers, institutional donors, and coastal/rural Beninese communities in the Mono Delta and beyond.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersCalavi, Benin
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What ECO-BENIN does
ECO-BENIN (legal name: Benin Ecotourism Concern, also styled Eco-Bénin) is a Beninese non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1999 and headquartered in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, with a staff of approximately 30. It operates an integrated portfolio of responsible ecotourism, community-based conservation, and climate-adaptation programs targeting international and domestic travelers, volunteers, donor institutions, and coastal/rural communities in the Mono Delta, Pendjari, Tata Somba, and Lake Ahémé regions.
The organization's commercial backbone is responsible-tourism circuits and excursion packages (e.g., Route des Tata, Weekend Itinerant sur la Côte Ouest, Bouche du Roy mangrove visits, Lake Ahémé explorations) distributed via its own website, partner tour operators, and responsible-tourism networks such as Village Monde and VAOLO, with ancillary revenue from carbon offset services routed through CO2Logic's Greentripper platform. The non-commercial backbone consists of grant-funded projects covering mangrove restoration (53 hectares planted, 213,000 seedlings in nurseries), dissemination of the Foyer Wanrou improved cookstove (20,000+ units installed since 2013, delivering ~25% energy efficiency and ~60% wood savings), village savings and credit associations (33 functional AVECs in 31 villages, 10.5 million FCFA in member savings), and biodiversity mainstreaming across soy, rice, timber, and forestry value chains.
Underlying technology is operationally light: the principal proprietary asset is the Wanrou cookstove itself (clay-and-straw construction), supported by a digital channel layer (online booking, WhatsApp/email inquiry, social media, quarterly newsletter Le Redunca) and field-based monitoring. Revenue mechanics rely on a hybrid of grant disbursements from European and North American institutional donors (GIZ, AFD, EU, FFEM, UNDP, IUCN, Belgian DGD, Fondation Roi Baudouin, Government of Quebec, CRDI Canada), direct tourism bookings, and small recurring fees from carbon-offset transactions; the organization also runs the Centre Nonvignon training hotel-restaurant in Grand-Popo as a vocational education sub-brand launched in 2019.
ECO-BENIN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ECO-BENIN
- Legal name
- BENIN ECOTOURISM CONCERN (ECO-BENIN)
- Website
- https://ecobenin.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ECO-BENIN is a Beninese non-profit NGO founded in 1999 that operates responsible ecotourism circuits, mangrove restoration, and improved cookstove (Wanrou) programs serving international travelers, volunteers, institutional donors, and coastal/rural Beninese communities in the Mono Delta and beyond.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ECO-BENIN industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ecotourism Services
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Eco-Tours & Sustainable Nature Travel (THAJAIAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- National Park & Protected Area Tours (THAJAIAA), Conservation Parks & Private Nature Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAB), Marine Wildlife Sanctuaries & Protected Seascape Visitor Operations (Reef/Marine Parks) (THAAAFAJ), Wetlands, Rivers & Freshwater Nature Tours (THAJAIAH)
Keywords
Where ECO-BENIN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Calavi
- HQ country
- Benin
Offices1 record
Markets served
ECO-BENIN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Ecotourism Tours and Excursions: Revenue generated from guided ecotourism packages including day trips, multi-day excursions, and cultural tours across Benin's natural sites (Bouche du Roy, Pendjari, Tata Somba, Lake Ahémé). Pricing varies by tour type and duration.
- CO2 Compensation Services: Carbon offset services offered in partnership with CO2Logic through the Greentripper platform, allowing travelers to compensate their flight emissions by supporting climate projects in Benin.
- Training and Capacity Building: Revenue from organizing training workshops, formation sessions, and educational programs for communities on topics including environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and financial education.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Weekend Itinerant sur la Côte Ouest excursion package |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
ECO-BENIN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ECO-BENIN (Benin Ecotourism Concern) operates community-based ecotourism circuits and guided tours across natural and cultural heritage sites in Benin, including the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve, Pendjari, Tata Somba, and Lake Ahémé. It complements these tourism services with nature conservation projects (mangrove restoration, protected area management), climate programs (improved cookstove dissemination, carbon offsetting), and community development initiatives (village savings associations, vocational training through Centre Nonvignon).
Product overview
ECO-BENIN (Benin Ecotourism Concern) is a non-profit NGO founded in 1999 that operates an integrated ecotourism and sustainable development portfolio. The core offerings center on responsible travel circuits and tours (ecotourism, cultural heritage, adventure), supported by an eco-villages accommodation network and ecovolontariat (volunteer) programs. The organization also provides complementary services including CO2 compensation, visa facilitation, and vocational training through the Centre Nonvignon. Additionally, ECO-BENIN implements environmental conservation projects (mangrove restoration, biodiversity protection, improved cookstoves distribution) that complement its tourism mission. The portfolio includes named offerings such as Vodun Days, Route des Tata tours, Weekend Cote Ouest, and the Foyer Wanrou improved cookstove product.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Centre Nonvignon: An application training hotel and restaurant dedicated to professional training of disadvantaged youth and women in Grand-Popo, southern Benin.
- Le Redunca
Products and services
- Ecotourism Circuits and Tours Responsible travel packages and guided excursions to eco-villages, natural reserves, and cultural heritage sites across Benin, including the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve, Pendjari Park, Tata Somba, and Lake Ahémé. Targeted at international and domestic travelers seeking authentic, sustainable tourism experiences.
- Eco-Villages Network Network of community-based eco-villages providing sustainable accommodations and authentic cultural immersion experiences in rural Benin. Targeted at travelers seeking community-hosted stays.
- Ecovolontariat (Eco-Volunteering) Volunteer programs focusing on biodiversity conservation, climate change action, environmental education, and adult training in eco-tourism and sustainable development. Targeted at individuals seeking hands-on conservation volunteering in West Africa.
- Centre Nonvignon Application training hotel and restaurant facility in Grand-Popo, southern Benin, dedicated to vocational training of disadvantaged youth and women. Combines hospitality services with educational program delivery.
- Foyer Wanrou Improved Cookstove Energy-efficient cooking stove made from clay and straw mixture, delivering 25% thermal efficiency and up to 60% wood savings for households. Distributed to communities in Bouche du Roy and other coastal areas to reduce deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve quality of life.
- CO2 Compensation Services Carbon offset services offered in partnership with CO2Logic through the Greentripper platform, allowing travelers to compensate their flight emissions by supporting mangrove restoration and climate projects in Benin.
- Training and Capacity Building Programs Training workshops, formation sessions, and educational programs delivered to communities on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and financial education. Includes Village Savings and Credit Association (AVEC) facilitation for microfinance access in coastal villages.
Quantifiable outcome
- 25% energy efficiency improvement with Wanrou cookstoves
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ECO-BENIN
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ECO-BENIN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
ECO-BENIN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- University of East AngliacoreUK university leading the CoHeRe (Coastal Heritage, Community Resilience and Inclusion) project on climate adaptation and cultural heritage, implemented with Eco-Benin in coastal Benin communities
- University of Abomey-Calavi (LACEPT)coreBenin university laboratory partnering on archaeological research and cultural heritage documentation in coastal areas
- Durham UniversitycoreUK university collaborating on coastal heritage and climate resilience research within the CoHeRe project framework
- CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports)coreDutch organization supporting internationalization and market access for Beninese businesses including tourism sector development
- CO2LogiccoreCarbon offset company partnered for CO2 compensation services through Greentripper platform for traveler emissions
- UICN NL (IUCN Netherlands)coreDutch branch of International Union for Conservation of Nature supporting biodiversity conservation and marine protected area initiatives
- VAOLOminorTravel and tourism platform promoting sustainable travel experiences in Benin
- Understanding HumanitycoreHumanitarian organization partnering on Wanrou improved cookstove dissemination in coastal communities
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)coreGlobal conservation organization implementing BIODEV2030 project and providing technical guidance on biodiversity mainstreaming
- HELVETAScoreSwiss development organization partnering on Mono biosphere reserve management and protected area projects
- Join For WatercoreBelgian NGO implementing PCRE water conservation project in partnership with Eco-Benin
- Village MondeminorInternational network of community-based tourism destinations promoting fair and sustainable tourism
- Sea ShepherdminorMarine conservation organization collaborating on maritime security and illegal fishing prevention in Gulf of Benin
- Louvain CooperationminorBelgian NGO supporting development projects in partner countries including Benin
- GeresminorFrench NGO working on energy efficiency and climate change adaptation projects
- Join For Water (PCRE Project)coreBelgian water NGO implementing PCRE project on water conservation and biodiversity in Bouche du Roy with DGD funding
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ECO-BENIN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Rare: Conservation organization running community-based coastal fisheries and mangrove programs in developing countries — comparable on community-led coastal conservation but does not operate tourism products.
Others
- Wetlands International: Global NGO dedicated to wetland conservation — comparable on mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem management but operating as a conservation/advocacy organization rather than a tourism operator.
- Sea Shepherd Global: Marine conservation organization that already partners with ECO-BENIN on Gulf of Benin maritime security — adjacent as a conservation peer with overlapping coastal Benin footprint.
Broad incumbents
- Intrepid Travel: Global small-group adventure and responsible travel company — addresses the same community-based tourism and sustainability themes ECO-BENIN emphasizes, but as a worldwide incumbent rather than a single-country specialist.
- G Adventures: Large adventure and small-group tour operator with a strong responsible-travel portfolio covering Africa — competes for the same inbound responsible traveler but at much greater scale and broader geographic scope.
- Planeterra Foundation: G Adventures' non-profit arm funding community-based tourism enterprises globally — comparable mission (community-based sustainable tourism development) and potential partner/competitor for funding the same NGO-managed tourism projects.
Direct peers
- Responsible Travel: Online platform curating responsible and sustainable holidays worldwide — comparable as a marketplace for ecotourism and community-based travel experiences targeting the same responsible-traveler persona.
- Village Monde: International network of community-based tourism destinations promoting fair and sustainable tourism — directly comparable as both an operator and a network of eco-village experiences, and already a documented distribution partner of ECO-BENIN.
- Biosphere Expeditions: Conservation volunteer expedition operator offering paid placements tied to biodiversity research — directly comparable to ECO-BENIN's ecovolontariat segment and overlapping on biodiversity and climate themes.
Regional players
- Senegindia (Teranga Tours): West Africa-focused community-based tourism and tour operator — competes for the same responsible-travel inbound market in West Africa but is headquartered and operates primarily in Senegal rather than Benin.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
ECO-BENIN social profiles
Digital presenceECO-BENIN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ECO-BENIN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
ECO-BENIN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ECO-BENIN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ECO-BENIN
What does ECO-BENIN do?
ECO-BENIN (Benin Ecotourism Concern) operates community-based ecotourism circuits and guided tours across natural and cultural heritage sites in Benin, including the Bouche du Roy biosphere reserve, Pendjari, Tata Somba, and Lake Ahémé. It complements these tourism services with nature conservation projects (mangrove restoration, protected area management), climate programs (improved cookstove dissemination, carbon offsetting), and community development initiatives (village savings associations, vocational training through Centre Nonvignon).
Is ECO-BENIN a public or private company?
ECO-BENIN is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was ECO-BENIN founded?
ECO-BENIN was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ECO-BENIN based?
ECO-BENIN is headquartered in Calavi, Benin.
How does ECO-BENIN make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Ecotourism Tours and Excursions are the primary driver. The others are CO2 Compensation Services and training and Capacity Building.
Who are ECO-BENIN's main competitors?
Rare is listed as an emerging player. Others are Wetlands International and Sea Shepherd Global. Broad incumbents are Intrepid Travel, G Adventures and Planeterra Foundation. Direct peers are Responsible Travel, Village Monde and Biosphere Expeditions. Senegindia (Teranga Tours) is listed as a regional player.
Does ECO-BENIN have an API?
No public API is recorded for ECO-BENIN.
What industry is ECO-BENIN in?
ECO-BENIN's product category is Ecotourism Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJAIAD, Eco-Tours & Sustainable Nature Travel, with a secondary code of THAJAIAA, National Park & Protected Area Tours. Its NAICS code is 712190 and its SIC code is 7900.