Senegal Delta Transboundary Biosphere Reserve seeks $15 million in funding

The Senegal Delta Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (RBTDS) requires approximately 8.5 billion CFA francs (about 15 million USD) to ensure the continuity of its operations. This funding requirement was announced by Colonel Ibrahima Guèye, Director of National Parks, during a roundtable meeting in Saint-Louis focused on sustainable financing for the reserve.

The project, which was established in 2022, is scheduled to conclude this year. Senegal and Mauritania are seeking support from international partners, including the Global Environment Facility and the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), to secure the necessary resources.

Spanning 641,768 hectares across both countries, the reserve includes major natural sites such as Senegal’s Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, Mauritania’s Diawling National Park, and the Langue de Barbarie National Park. The area serves as a critical stopover for millions of migratory birds and provides essential ecosystem services to local populations, supporting fishing, livestock, agriculture, crafts, and tourism.