The vegetation represented in this ecosystem is composed of various mangrove species including Rhizophora and Avicennia, which belong to the families Rhizophoraceae and Avicenniaceae, respectively. Rhizophora species are found along streams while those of Avicennia are found in mudflats. The distribution of these species influenced by salinity. Species in the genus Avicennia are able to tolerate higher salinity than species in the Rhizophora genus due to an adaptation that allows leaves and roots in the former to exude salt (Laffargue 2010). Unfortunately, mangroves are being degraded worldwide as a result of human exploitation and climate change (FAO 2007, IMAO 2009. In 2008, the FAO estimated that 3.6 million hectares of mangrove forest has been lost since 1980. In Senegal, the total area of mangrove forest in 1980 was 1,690 km² of which almost 50% is located in the Casamance, and which declined by 32%, to an area of 1,150 km², by 2005 (Borrini-Feyerabend et al. 2009). A loss of about 2,400 ha of mangrove was recorded in the period 1970 to 1973 (HARZA 1984. In the Lower Casamance, MariusThe Joola civilization and the management of mangroves in Lower Casamance, Se... Revue d'ethnoécologie, 17 | 2020 10 The actual study was carried out in the coastal areas of Blouf, Bandial, Kassa, Bliss-Karone, Bliss-Kassa and Fogni Diabang. It involved 10 communes in 27 villages (Figure 1). These localities are populated mainly by the Joola, but which differ in their language (Cormier-Salem 1992). Indeed, the Joola are split into several subgroups identified by aThe Joola civilization and the management of mangroves in Lower Casamance, Se... Revue d'ethnoécologie, 17 | 2020
SummaryA highly degraded wetland in the Senegal delta, the Ndiael has been the subject of multiple ecological restoration attempts. One of the options for restoration is a seasonal inundation of the Ndiael. This would strengthen the ecosystem services, benefit and empower the rural communities, and enhance biodiversity. As of 2010, local efforts contributed to a small increase in the inundated area. Subsequent joint actions with a newly established regional water authority will allow for artificial inundations at a larger scale. A local team has mapped the baseline ecological situation and formulated key aspects for the future management plan. In spite of the lack of water, the reserve harbours considerable biodiversity, but there are clear threats. Most significantly, tensions exist between a recently established agro-business, small-holders and the restoration of the ecosystem. If these tensions can be managed in an integrative and equitable way, learning from experiences in the nearby Djoudj and Diawling national parks, a third stronghold for waterfowl may result, as well as enhanced availability of forage for livestock, fish and habitat for wild fauna.
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