The Saloum delta in Senegal is based on a tropical ecosystem rich in biodiversity: the Mangrove. The Mangrove is a forest that grows between land and sea, in humid tropics. The exceptional natural conditions of this environment greatly favor the production of fishery resources, such as fish, shrimps, oysters, shellfish, etc. It is thanks to a phenomenon called the "nursery effect" that the species stay near the Mangrove, and that the coasts of the Saloum delta are very fishy.
This forest is important to the Senegalese living in this area. It offers important fishery and forest resources for the habitants. Mangrove wood is used for making houses or as firewood. The leaves are used for dyeing or for the treatment of certain diseases. Fish, oysters and other fishery products are the main food resources of the region. In the local markets, you can find everything you can eat from the Mangrove.
Wealth at risk
This ecosystem has been in degradation for several years. Almost 25% of the Senegalese Mangrove disappeared between 1980 and 2010. Like the abundant rains and the salinization of the water, several natural phenomena caused by climate change threaten the Mangrove. In addition, the overuse of its resources by humans is also a major cause of its alarming degradation. Fishery resources are increasingly scarce and the Mangrove is rapidly deteriorating.
Save the Mangrove
Several initiatives have emerged to promote forest conservation. Senegalese women have opted for a new method of farming oysters, which is to lay them in garlands, which avoids cutting the roots of the mangrove. Fences are also installed near the roots to prevent excessive cutting of the roots, in addition to establishing a biological resting system, allowing the Mangrove to rest when its exploitation is prohibited. Forest reforestation activities are also underway.
With the Interpretation Center of the Saloum Delta, it is possible to come and support Mangrove restoration projects by participating in forest conservation activities, either by planting trees, by participating in the collection of oysters in garlands and more.
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