Conserving mangrove forests in Senegal

Mangrove forests are one of the world’s richest ecosystems. The trees and shrubs which usually grow in salty waters are home to a variety of flora and fauna.

In Joal, a fishing town located in the south east- of Senegal’s capital Dakar, the mangrove ecosystem is under threat. The UN estimates that Senegal has lost about 40% of its mangrove forests since the 1970s. With this in mind, there have been concerted efforts to preserve the remaining areas.

“The mangrove is very important, in relation to fishing.There are a lot of animals like monkeys, hyenas which live in the mangrove,” said Abdou Karim-Sall, President, Management Committee of Marine Protected Area in Joal.

Additionally, the reforestation of the mangroves has been ongoing at the Marine Protected Area in Joal. For communities that depend on the mangrove ecosystem for their livelihood, these efforts have borne fruit.

The rehabilitation of the mangrove ecosystem and raising awareness on how to sustainably manage natural resources will go a long way in ensuring that the rich biodiversity is preserved for generations to come.

AFP