The project

At the beginning of the project, the long-prepared process for the official designation of the Niumi Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO will be finalised. GPS-tracked Black-tailed Godwits help to identify core areas. These habitats will be visited and evaluated. Based on expert knowledge, measures for habitat improvement will be implemented.

When the most important areas of wintering Black-tailed Godwits are identified, a strategy plan will be developed to implement effective measures in the core areas of migratory birds. The Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM) assumes the role of the project coordinator on site. The implementation of measures is prepared on the basis of collaboration with local stakeholders and with the involvement of the population, aiming at sustainable implementation with a view to permanent establishment. A Gambian liason officer serves as interface between Gambian and European project partners.

Measures foreseen include rice field restoration and wetland engineering. In the species-rich mangroves, restoration measures will be carried out carefully, adapted to the needs of the target species.

A pre- and post-monitoring will show the progress and success of the measures. Ten local master students from The Gambia and Senegal will be selected and receive training in sustainable landscape design as well as data collection, data analyses, and report writing.