Participatory management of biodiversity in Haut Niger National Park

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve and composed of large areas of forests and savannahs, the Haut Niger National Park (PNHN), with a total area estimated at 1,200,000 ha, was created in 1997. It is made up of two sectors, in accordance with its two central zones, (MAFOU and KOUYA). This park represents one of the most important reserves in West Africa in terms of threatened mammals such as: Pantroglodytesverus (Common Chimpanzee), Panthera leo (Lion), Panthera pardus (Panther), Synceruscaffercffer (Black buffalo), Hippopotamusamphibus (Hippopotamus), Potamochoerusporcus (River hog), Phacochoerusaethiopicus (Warthog), etc. Crossed by the Niger River and its tributaries, the area is classified as a Ramsar site and constitutes a refuge for several migratory birds. This site has over 300 species of birds and the park has been recognized as an Area of ​​Importance for Birds by Birdlife. The preservation and management of the protected areas of this park remain a challenge and an urgent priority for the nation as well as the institutions in charge of the environment.

Unfortunately, these species and their habitats are threatened by anthropogenic pressures that Park officials cannot cope with on their own: mainly the anarchic logging, uncontrolled hunting and bush fires. The project therefore intends to help resolve these issues through better involvement of local communities in the management of the Park. The project will affect 13 villages which are all around the Fully Protected Zone (55,400 ha), ie 2,000 people directly affected by the actions. The project will be carried out in partnership with the Guinean branch of the ENERGIES 2050 association which has set up a partnership with GREENTRANSFORMATION 2050 focusing, in particular, on the fight against climate change, the development of local communities and the development of renewable energies. sustainable. The objective of this project is to contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources through the active participation of local communities.