This project is aimed at improving local communities’ well being and mitigate climate change impacts through the restoration of mangrove ecosystems of Sine – Saloum Delta in west centre of Senegal.
Senegal mangroves cover over 1 287 square kilometres (UNEP-WCMC, 2007). Their distribution follows the principal rivers: the Casamance estuary in the south; the Sine-Saloum Delta in the west centre; and the Senegal river Delta in the north. These mangroves are very diverse morphologically (seven of the eight mangrove species of Africa are present in Senegal) and in flora and fauna. They give many benefits to local communities by protecting coastal erosion and biodiversity, and by giving economical incomes (fishing, tourism, gathering of wood, honey production).
Since the seventies, these mangroves have suffered some decline because of climate change (coastal erosion, salination of the soil) and population pressure (wood exploitation, agriculture, population growth, etc.). From 1980 to 2006, Senegal has lost 24% of its mangroves (UNEP-WCMC, 2007). This situation has several consequences for the living conditions of the population (malnutrition, poverty, exodus, loss of biodiversity, coastal erosion, inundation …).
So, many strategies (reforestation programs, protected areas policies) have been developed in those three decades by government, NGOs and local communities. Owing to those policies, many degraded mangrove ecosystems regenerate in the Sine - Saloum Delta and others parts of Senegal (Casamance). The mangrove restoration should contribute to improving local communities well being, stop coastal erosion and mitigate climate change effects.
Some 410 ha of mangrove will be planted in 50 villages of the Saloum Reserve of Biosphere before 2012 (included). The project will involve local communities, research institutes and government forestry services. This mangrove reforestation program has already been supported by the Catalan Agency for Cooperation and Development (ACCD, Spain).
Project activities will include:
- Sensitization and capacity building of local households;
- Identification and restoration of degraded mangroves sites;
- Development of activities (market gardening, apiculture, fish transformation….) for local communities.