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16.01.2025

Restoration of the Boar wetland in Senegal

Recovering biodiversity in and around the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary

The Senegal River Delta is a hotspot for migratory birds flying along the East Atlantic Flyway. It is the first major resting area for migratory waders (Black-tailed Godwit, among others) migrating from Europe to West Africa, and therefore, is of paramount importance for their lifecycle.

In a fast-changing world, Senegal, like many West African countries, is witnessing a rapid industrialisation of its economy, a shift from local small-scale agricultural practices towards more industrial production, and an ever-increasing demand for aquatic resources. The local consequences of such a shift are the degradation of soils and the loss of aquatic habitat heterogeneity which is important for preserving bird biodiversity in the Senegal River Delta.

The LIFE IP GrassBirdHabitats team established a strong partnership with Nature Communautés Développement (NCD) and the Université Gaston Berger near Saint Louis to pilot a restoration project in the Boar wetland. The Boar wetland is an important component in a mosaic of wetlands in the lower Senegal River Delta. It is located near the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and, therefore, complements this major national park which is important for bird conservation on a global scale. Further, the Boar wetland is essential for the livelihood of many local rural communities that depend on its associated ecosystem services.

This pilot project is planned for two years and structured in four work-packages:

  • Establish a baseline study for the topography, hydrology, and biodiversity of the Boar wetland, and assess the level of habitat degradation.
  • Conduct a process to facilitate the acceptance of the project by the local communities and other beneficiaries and address any reservations they might express.
  • Develop a constellation of research projects with the Université Gaston Berger and the Master's programme in Ornithology.
  • Establish a road map for restoration and management of the Boar wetland that will be implemented in the second phase of the project.

More development will follow!

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Vast area that is relatively dry and that has scattered shrubby vegetation.
A recent picture showing part of the degraded Boar wetland. Topsoil salinisation and the presence of invasive vegetation are a few of the factors behind the degradation of the wetland. Photo: NCD