Djoudj National Park and its periphery: An experiment in wetland co-management

Published source details Diouf A.M. (2002) Djoudj National Park and its periphery: An experiment in wetland co-management. Pages 13-17 in: M. Gawler (ed.) Strategies for wise use of wetlands: Best practices in participatory management. Proceedings of a Workshop held at the 2nd International Conference on Wetlands and Development (November 1998, Dakar, Senegal). Publication 56. Wetlands International, IUCN, WWF, Wageningen.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Engage local people in management/monitoring of marshes or swamps Action Link

Engage local people in management/monitoring of marshes or swamps

A before-and-after study in 1990–1997 of a wetland protected area in Senegal (Matar Diouf 2002) reported that after switching from authoritarian control to community-based management, the number of fines for illegal activity dropped to zero. Over three years under authoritarian control, 44 fines were issued for illegal settlement, uncontrolled livestock, fishing and hunting. Over four years under community-based management, no fines were issued. Methods: The study site, Djoudj National Park, is in the delta of the River Senegal. It contains patches of emergent vegetation such as reedbeds interspersed with lakes, pools, channels and upland areas. Until 1994, the National Park was strictly protected with “authoritarian measures” excluding local people. From 1994, with a deliberate policy shift, the local population became partners in National Park management (including investments and education).

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)