Key sites harboring globally significant ecosystems and threatened biodiversity have been selected in each of the nine countries to serve as field laboratories for demonstrations activities related to monitoring and assessment of biodiversity status, testing of most promising natural resource management options, developing sustainable alternative livelihoods and policy guidelines and replicating successful models. The project will make a significant contribution in reducing land degradation in the marginal areas and help conserve biodiversity. Guidelines, recommendations and supportive national policies that address biodiversity concerns are envisaged to be in place in the implementing countries.

The site of DMP intervention is in the territorial limits of twelve (12) provinces of Burkina Faso. It covers 25% of the national territory, 22,4% of the population and 21,6% of the villages. The average density is of 34 inhabitants to the km². The North part of the zone is typical to the sahelian environment with sandy soils, poor in organic matter, subject to a overgrazing and sensitive to the water and wind erosion. The human and animal pressure is high comparing to the available resources.

The South part of the zone undergoes a strong demographic and animal pressure. The agricultural activities entailed a deterioration of the land and ecosystems, an erosion and/or a loss of the biological diversity. 

Four (4) benchmarks have been identified in the desert margins for the implementation of activities: Banh, Katchari, Tougouri, and Oursi as shown on the  following map.