Djoudj
Region
Africa
Country
Senegal
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Name of organisation
Djoudj Biological Station - Northern Parks Information Centre, Djoudj National Bird Park
Funding support
Government of Senegal, general budget with some final projects
Number of staff
15 national park agents
Number of visitors per year
2,000
Overall aims of the centre
Scientific research centre with accommodation for young students and other researchers
Description of the centre
16,000 ha of wetlands with international status, in north-western Senegal; most species are birds. There are 85 plant species of which 33 are locally rare or occur in isolation, 92 species of fish, 365 species of birds of which 120 are palearctic migrants, 22,000 breeding pairs of white pelicans, a wintering area for the endangered Aquatic Warbler and Baillon's Crake. It is also a natural sanctuary for the African manatee, Nile crocodile, Seba python and red-fronted gazelle. The park receives about 12,000 visitors per year, of which about 300 visit the Biological Station.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Training of volunteer eco-guards and eco-guides in awareness raising and ecotourism; capacity building workshops on various themes for local communities and agents in charge of monitoring and protecting the park. In addition, the park hosted exchange visits as a result of the results obtained from CEPA activities.
Top three successes
The realisation of an integrated management plan with a good involvement of the local populations;
The increase in the income of local populations: their integration into the management of the park has enabled them to take charge of the conservation and management aspects of the site;
Training of national park agents and local people; creation of a corps of ecoguards and ecoguides.
Top three challenges
Scientific research: Although there were researchers and students from various backgrounds, the centre has not been very successful due to the lack of efficient equipment and its dilapidation.
Information, Education, Awareness: The lack of qualified staff to support the head of the centre, due to the numerous staff assignments at other sites, weakens the system.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
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