Wetland restoration and poverty reduction through ecotourism
Long before there was widespread concern for the environment, the people of what is now Diawling National Park (DNP) lived as part of their environment; protect and use it and the surrounding areas that formed a lush ecosystem of dunes, estuaries, pastures and forests, rich in biodiversity of plants and wildlife; capable of sustainably supporting thousands of inhabitants. Located in the southwestern corner of Mauritania on 15,600 hectares, this wetland region became a state-owned park in 1991, under the direction of Diawling National Park. The park is bordered to the south by the Senegal River, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by the Chat Tboul reserve and encroaching sand dunes, to the northeast by Keur Massene (a popular hunting ground) and to the east by the farms no regulated. and agricultural production. Only a natural barrier of sand dunes divides the park’s fresh and salt water wetlands, thus creating a unique habitat for fresh and salt water birds. The park is a permanent year-round home for nearly 300,000 birds and is home to more than one million migratory birds during the winter months.
From the very inception of the park in 1991, the objectives included providing an economic future for the inhabitants of the region. However, over the past 20 years, the park’s ecosystem has been badly damaged by large outdoor infrastructure projects (dams, levees, and water diversion activities) and aggravated by inland exploitation: hunting, overfishing, and poor farming and farming practices. Water management. Today, the park’s wetlands, their wildlife and their inhabitants face some of the most extreme natural conditions and man-made obstacles in their struggle to survive on degraded lands in a deteriorating ecosystem.
However, when cooperating with an extremely poor population whose only means of survival is a dying ecosystem, it is unrealistic to insist that they do more to preserve their delicate environment. An alternative means of income generation must be developed and implemented, focusing on maintaining your existing lifestyle while using the ecosystem as an asset. Previous studies of the natural resources and economic potential of DNP and evidence from experience in the adjacent Djoudj Park of Senegal indicate that ecotourism may be the most effective way to achieve the objectives of: conservation of wetlands, preservation of traditional customs and provide a path out of poverty. The very definition and concept of ecotourism provides the empowerment of indigenous populations by giving monetary value and dignity to their traditional activities.
During the creation of the park, there was strong resistance from the residents, who were aware of the situation that initially arose in the Djoudj Park in Senegal; which implies the forcible transfer of the local population and the cessation of all activities. Additionally, many stakeholders both inside and outside the Park saw, and continue to see, economic development in terms of large infrastructure and agriculture projects; more than in the conservation and health of the wetland ecosystem. The participation of numerous international organizations concerned about the environmental status of Diawling National Park has left residents with suspicions about their future in the park. Although the concept of Diawling has always been very different and encourages the continuation of local activities, including fishing, plant gathering and herding; Residents fear that once the park’s ecosystem has been restored, they will be forced to leave in the name of conservation.
The initiation of ecotourism activities calms the fear of forced expulsion from the Park and ensures the need and future of the population in the Park as an integral part of the strategy for ecotourism, conservation and preservation of the wetlands.
The inhabitants of Diawling National Park and its surroundings have historically been oppressed and quite invisible in the realm of Mauritanian society. However, improved economic position, independence and international recognition generate empowerment and respect within politics, strengthening its importance and ensuring land tenure rights.
The implementation of ecotourism in the Park, and the resulting economic and environmental benefits for the community and Mauritania as a whole, will give the vulnerable inhabitants of the Park a voice and a tangible argument against the continued exploitation of their most valuable resource, the Senegal River. . .
Experience in other regions of Mauritania indicates that tourists often leave with a deep attachment to the people they visit and become advocates for improving the economic well-being of the population.
Thus, under the strategy of ‘Restoration of Wetlands and Reduction of Poverty through Ecotourism’ the environment, economic development and ecotourism are unified; they cannot exist as separate entities. What impacts one will impact the other.