Conservation
We observe and conserve, Bird Watchers Association (The Gambia) BWA for the past years have been actively dedicated itself and part of it’s resources in contributing it’s part in conserving our remaining habitats. We collaborate with local communities to conserve and manage important sites under threat within and outside the coastal areas of the country. 10% of the income generated by the Association are plaud back to the nature in other mitigate the constant lost of our forest covers which is posing serious threat to our biodiversity.
Conserving Community Forest
Most of the bird watching sites are located in the rural communities and the livelihoods of these communities are derived from farming and fishing activities. Some of these communities present a challenge to conservation efforts because their subsistence lifestyle often involves hunting wildlife, and clearing of forest for agriculture.
Enhancing Community Livelihood Through Bird Watching
We therefore realized the need to collaborate with these communities and help safeguard the integrity of these community forests and habitats.
The Bird watchers Association, the Gambia is currently involved with the community Penyem in the following ways.
- Raise awareness of the community and inspire them to learn about Birds.
- Generating jobs for site guides after participating in training.
- Agreed an M0U with the community on local economic and conservation.
The M0U includes collaborating with the community to plant trees and enrich the forest.
Training of youths of the community to become rangers and guides.
Engage the community on research, data collection, and processing.
Sensitize the community on biodiversity issues.
Conserving The Kotu Creek
Despite being closed to several Hotels, the area is an absolute “must visit” for visiting Birders to the Gambia. It a small area of Mangrove swamp, Mudflats, Rice fields, open woodland and freshwater ponds together provide home to an impressive range of bird including several species of Kingfishers, Bee eaters, Rollers, Raptors and waders and water birds. However, industrial expansion and surrounding human activity such as logging, waste dumping, squatting, and unregulated fishing poses a threat to preservation of this important tourist attraction.
Conservation Actions/ Leisure Activity on offer