Abdel Aziz BABA-MOUSSA

Abdel Aziz Mohamed Tahir BABA-MOUSSA is an experienced Beninese biodiversity conservation expert, currently serving as Director General of the National Center for Wildlife Reserve Management (CENAGREF) since November 2021. Born on May 18, 1968, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he holds an engineering degree in agronomy with a specialization in crop production, as well as a Master’s degree in Project Management. A Forest, Wildlife, and Hunting Conservator by profession, he has nearly 25 years of service in sustainable management of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, wildlife ecological monitoring, participatory forest planning, and environmental project coordination.

Throughout his career, he has held numerous technical and leadership positions within the Beninese forestry administration, including Forest Inspection Head, Forest Post Manager, and Head of Legal and Regulatory Affairs. He is also actively involved on the international stage, having participated in numerous high-level conservation forums such as the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the Africa Ocean Forum, the African Protected Areas Directors Conference (APAD), and the Africa Conservation Forum.

A committed member of regional networks, he serves on the Board of Directors of the West African Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPAO) and has been honored as a Knight of the National Order of Merit of Benin. His discreet yet strategic leadership plays a key role in promoting Benin's conservation agenda across West Africa and beyond.