Kawawana community heritage area: good life recovered through conservation

The “good life” is back in the villages: fish are available in good quality and quantity to households at an affordable price. The ingenious three zone management plan has fostered local food sovereignty (better diet and prosperity) and in part reversed the urban exodus. The practice of collective governance has consolidated local solidarity. The community has learned sophisticated methodologies and regularly monitors fishery and socio-economic results. Local interactive radio programmes allow to dialogue with all who need to know and respect the rules. Traditional anti-salt dikes were restored, allowing for the recovery of land for rice cultivation. The environment (spaces, species, ecosystems) has recovered and now better play its role as an ecosystem services provider. Local conflicts have diminished and attempts to exploit resources, which presented potential sources of conflict, were kept under control. For example, the burning of the Mangagoulack forest was avoided thanks to the influence of the initiators of the Kawawana ICCA, supported by the entire population of the 8 villages. In Senegal, 6 ICCAs are currently being set up and seeking legal recognition, following the example of Kawawana.