Techniques of degraded ecosystems restoration in the Sahel have largely contributed to slowing down desertification
process. However, they are often very costly, requiring important manpower and financial resources. The
economic benefits of such cases of land restoration are under-documented, especially in scientific literature. The
aim of this study is to estimate the ecosystem benefits (market and non-market, direct and indirect) associated
with changes in biodiversity induced by forest and landscape restoration (FLR) interventions in the Sahel, and to
compare them with the costs of these interventions. Data has been compiled using individual and group surveys,
floristic inventory, and existing literature. Ecosystem services framework has been used to structure the analysis.
Financial and economic cost-benefit analysis have been compiled, based on the historical case of the managed
Gourga forest (Ouahigouya, North Burkina Faso), to estimate whether FLR brings benefits greater than it costs.
The results show that restoration of the site is profitable over the first ten years thanks to farming activities,
becoming unprofitable in years 11–45 after farming is completely stopped. This study opens up new prospects for
improved design of FLR in the Sahel.

Sustainable Land Management, Forest Restoration, Ecosystem Services, Cost-benefit analysis, Net Present Value