Restoration training for the Mangrove Capital Africa Program

Wetlands International

DOB ecology

The CBEMR training is helping the Mangrove Capital Africa programme to deliver on their restoration goals

Representatives from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau shared insights and worked together on mangrove restoration strategies

Local community members were invited to the field training to share their knowledge and concerns

What we did

Mangrove Capital Africa (MCA) is a ten-year program led by Wetlands International and funded by DOB Ecology. Its goal is to safeguard and restore African mangrove ecosystems for the benefit of people and nature. This workshop was part of the capacity building element of the MCA program to support planned restoration activities in the Saloum Delta. The training program was a comprehensive seven-day event, consisting of five days of theoretical workshops followed by two days of practical field training. It brought together 21 participants from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, including representatives from government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organisations.

The training incorporated a variety of learning methods to engage participants and ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This included photo-based, question-led powerpoint presentations, a number of guest presentations, small group discussions, interactive exercises, videos, daily review sessions, question-and-answer sessions, two field visits with field exercises, and small group presentations based on field assessments.

At the first field trip site in Bani Village, some of the local villagers joined the field exercise to allow the participants to gain an insight into changes and related social issues concerning this site through questioning. The field visits also provided an opportunity to observe features of healthy mangroves and to practice measuring elevation and other environmental parameters necessary for ongoing monitoring of restoration sites.

Sharing experiences amongst participants was critical to the learning process. A representative from Wetlands International Africa delivered a presentation on the 180,000 ha Saloum Delta, with a focus on the region’s 65,000 ha of mangroves. It highlighted human-driven degradation and the climate pressures faced by these vital ecosystems. His presentation also discussed the MCA programme’s approach, planned activities, and the selection of field sites within the Delta. Representatives from other organisations also presented case studies on their mangrove restoration activities across Senegal and Guinea-Bissau and the lessons learned.

From the field visits and group discussions, it became evident that local communities heavily rely on mangrove wood and wood from other sources for various purposes: cooking, fish smoking (a key local industry), construction, and for sale. This demand highlights the need for a holistic approach in mangrove-related programs. Successful reforestation efforts and demand reduction strategies must consider the livelihoods of local communities, offering alternative fuel and material sources. Moreover, the importance of protecting existing mangroves emerged as a top priority, with participants recognising that conservation efforts should take precedence over restoration or afforestation efforts.