Senegal is playing a vital role in a global effort to monitor wetland health through the annual International Waterbird Census. The nationwide count, which took place Wednesday at 37 sites including the critical djoudj National Park-a UNESCO World Heritage site-is one component of a larger survey spanning 143 countries.This year’s census highlighted the red-billed tropicbird, underscoring the need for international collaboration in tracking biodiversity and informing conservation strategies for migratory species.
Senegal participated in a global effort Wednesday to count waterfowl populations, a key indicator of wetland health, at the Djoudj National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The annual International Waterbird Census, conducted simultaneously in 143 countries, provides crucial data for conservation efforts worldwide.
Senegalese Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, chose the Djoudj National Park as the primary location for the country’s census activities. This year’s featured bird is the red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus), chosen to highlight the importance of international collaboration in biodiversity monitoring.
The nationwide count is taking place across 37 designated sites, encompassing nearly 219 sectors. Djoudj National Park is considered a strategically important location for collecting ecological and biological data, officials said.
“We are here to allow Senegal to have precise information on the number of waterfowl and to contribute to the count on an international scale,” Diouf explained. The census aims to provide reliable data on bird populations and the condition of their habitats, informing conservation strategies.
The park, spanning nearly 22,000 hectares – over 4,000 of which are wetlands – represents a significant ecological resource. More than 50% of the park’s area is covered by water, with roughly 40% consisting of land, creating a diverse habitat for numerous species.
While acknowledging progress in biodiversity conservation, Diouf also noted a need for greater economic development related to the park. “As much as we have advanced in conservation, we are lagging behind in the sustainable exploitation and valorization of these resources,” he said.
To address this, the government plans to implement a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach will allow the state to maintain its role in environmental protection while enabling the private sector to sustainably utilize the park’s natural resources for economic development.
With nearly 22,000 individuals counted, Djoudj National Park remains one of the most important breeding sites for waterfowl in West Africa. The park is a critical location for the reproduction of the white pelican and numerous migratory species from around the globe.
The park’s strategic location makes it a vital stopover point for birds migrating along the East Atlantic flyway, connecting Europe, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Hundreds of thousands of birds arrive each year from Europe, seeking refuge during the Northern Hemisphere winter. This underscores the park’s importance in a broader international context.
The Senegalese government is investing in improvements for park personnel, recognizing the need to preserve this exceptional natural heritage. “We are currently building four guard posts as well as a command post. We hope to complete them before the wintering season to offer better working conditions to our agents,” Diouf said.
These infrastructure improvements aim to enhance surveillance and protection of the park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 and has been listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention since 1977.
Diouf encouraged both Senegalese citizens and tourists to experience the park’s unique environment. He believes Djoudj has remarkable ecological and tourism potential, and the government will continue to invest in its development to meet international standards, balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic growth for local communities.
MS/NDARINFO
