TOCC Reserve
Region
Africa
Country
Senegal
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
Migratory Birds for People
About
Name of organisation
TOCC TOCC Community Nature Reserve (RNC TOCC TOCC)
Funding support
None
Number of staff
10 people including 2 women
Number of visitors per year
150 of which 80% are young school children from the area
Overall aims of the centre
To raise awareness of biodiversity conservation, particularly of migratory birds
Description of the centre
TOCC RNC TOCC covers a total area of 273 ha of which more than 80% (211 ha) is marshland (permanently flooded land). It is also surrounded by 3 freshwater marshes located outside the reserve, which annually host nearly 20,000 individuals of various waterbird species, including the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Teal, Yellow-legged Warbler, Fighting Sandpiper, Shoveler, Avocet, etc.
In addition to waterbirds, the reserve is one of the few recognised spawning and nursery sites for the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) which is a species recently listed in Appendix I of CITES.
The site is located approximately 90 km from the city of Saint-Louis in northern Senegal and 350 km from Dakar, the country's capital.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Communication sessions using visual aids in villages and schools / Reception of visitors at the reception centre (scientific tourists, pupils, students, etc.) / Production of propectus, posters, teeshirts on themes related to biodiversity conservation / Celebration of World Environment Day, Migratory Bird Day, etc.
Top three successes
The awareness-raising sessions in the villages and schools were a success due to the enthusiasm of the people living near the reserve.
Similarly, the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day 2017 enabled communities to understand the positive role that birds play in regulating species (insects and caterpillars) that are harmful to crops.
Top three challenges
The three most important challenges
To make the reserve and its reception centre more visible at national and international level;
Attracting many more visitors, especially tourists, for the benefit of local communities;
To improve the quality of visual aids and signs around the reserve
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools
General
Project planning.
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