Casamances abundant vegetation and natural wealth attract attention.
In the Casamance region of Senegal, the lush vegetation and rich natural resources have drawn attention. To better protect the already threatened environment, the Direction des Aires marines protégées (DAMP), the organization responsible for marine protected areas, is supporting the communitys request for better management of resources. From creating biological reserves to promoting income-generating activities that are less harmful to the environment, DAMP, through its mangrove project, is supporting local initiatives. The aim is to safeguard the biodiversity and promote sustainable practices in the region (source: seneplus.com).
Casamance is known for its significant biodiversity, thanks to its abundant marine resources and lush vegetation. However, this has made it a target for exploitation. In order to combat ecosystem degradation, local communities, with the support of DAMP, are organizing and carrying out protective activities. One example is the Abéné Marine Protected Area (AMP), which was established in 2004. The AMP covers an area of 119 km2 and spans five villages: Kaffountine, Thiana, Abéné, Kabadio, and Niaffrang. These villages are rich in fishery resources, as evidenced by the fishing industry in Kaffoutine. Kaffoutine serves as a major hub for artisanal fishing in Senegal, with monthly catches ranging from 3 to 7 million, depending on the season. The village is a convergence point for several African nationalities involved in fish processing and commercialization. With over 700 fishing boats, the implementation of biological rest periods ensures the survival of species (source: seneplus.com).
At the busy fishing dock in Kaffoutine, the attraction is the large fishing boats that can be seen along the shoreline. The preparations for the upcoming fishing campaign in December are believed to be the reason for this bustling activity. This is good news for boat manufacturers, such as Mbaye Sène, president of the National Union of Carpenters in Senegal, who has set up his business in Kaffoutine due to the easy access to timber. With more than 40 boats produced per month, the demand is high, especially for larger boats that sell for 8 to 10 million (source: seneplus.com).
In addition to fishing, the Abéné Marine Protected Area is also home to a tourist zone. To preserve the ecosystem and allow communities to benefit from its resources, local populations actively participate in the conservation efforts. The involvement of the community helps ensure the preservation of the ecosystem, as they have a say in decision-making processes. The AMP also supports women in developing environmentally friendly income-generating activities. With a predominantly maritime territory, enhanced surveillance is crucial to protect the area from illegal fishing practices (source: seneplus.com).
In another marine protected area, Kaloulaal Blouf-Fogny, the main motivation for action is to combat illegal fishing activities. The protected area covers a vast area of 83,853 hectares and includes nine municipalities. The goal is to restore resources, improve living conditions, enhance governance, and promote traditional knowledge and local practices. The presence of foreign fishermen, mainly from Mali and Guinea, engaged in fish smoking and exporting to Guinea, has raised concerns about the conservation of the area. Sensitization campaigns are being conducted to address this issue and involve local communities in protecting the marine environment (source: seneplus.com).
