Photo: Xinhua

Saloum Delta region of Senegal

Source: Saloum Delta region of Senegal

Photo: Bas van den Heuvel

Ecosystems thrive in places where human connections with nature go back generations.

Source: What is biocultural diversity, and why does it matter?

Photo: Jean-Marie Dupart

Rannoch was photographed by Senegal-based French ornithologist Jean-Marie Dupart on January 23.

Source: Loch Arkaig nestcam Osprey sighted in Senegal – The Oban Times

Photo: Shutterstock

Source: World Wetlands Day 2022: Wetlands Action for People and Nature

Senegal – Saloum Delta

In Senegal, seawater seeping into underground fresh water aquifers is slowly increasing soil salinity causing havoc for farming communities living near wetlands rich in biodiversity.

Senegal’s Siné Saloum Delta is a biodiversity hotspot. Just 180 kilometers south-east of Dakar, the UNESCO world heritage site covers some 180,000 hectares, comprising wetlands, lakes, lagoons and marshes, as well as sandy coasts and dunes, terrestrial savannah areas and dry, open forest. It’s home to 400 species and plays a vital role in flood control and regulating the distribution of rainwater for the local people and wildlife.

Lack of fresh water

But due to drought, climate change and the uncontrolled logging of mangrove forests, the ground’s salinity has shot up – threatening the livelihoods of thousands of people living there. One of them is Khadiome Ndongue, a resident of Sadio Ba near the west coast town of Foundiougne.

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