📅 On May 9, 2025, Djoudj National Bird Park hosted the launch of the LIFEAWOM (Aquatic Warbler On Migration) project, dedicated to the conservation of the Aquatic Warbler, a globally threatened migratory bird species. This ambitious initiative, implemented in Senegal by Wetlands International Africa – West Africa and Gulf of Guinea (WIACO) 🤝 in partnership with the National Parks Directorate (DPN) and the local communities of Débi and Tiguet, aims to restore critical habitats and strengthen conservation efforts at the national level.
🎤 This high-profile event brought together many national and local stakeholders: Sub-prefect of Ross Béthio, Director of Wetlands International Africa, park management authorities, representatives of Débi and Tiguet communities, and several technical and scientific partners.
🗣️ “”This project represents a unique opportunity to combine local development, sustainable wetland management, and biodiversity protection. The State will be fully committed to supporting its implementation,” said the Sub-prefect of Ross Béthio during the opening remarks.
✨ The Executive Director of Wetlands International Africa, Mr. Ibrahima THIAM, praised the commitment of local communities and the active collaboration of national institutions:
🗨️ ““By protecting the Aquatic Warbler’s wintering sites, we are contributing to the preservation of a global natural heritage. It is also a chance for communities to restore functional ecosystems, which are sources of resilience and livelihoods.”
The workshop made it possible to:
• Present the project objectives and its action plan through 2029 ;
• Discuss the threats facing the species and its habitats in Senegal ;
• Establish a National Working Group in charge of coordination and monitoring;
• Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.
🚨 This project comes at a critical time: although Senegal is a key wintering site for the species, many of its habitats remain unprotected and highly degraded, especially around Tiguet.
Through AWOM, concrete actions are planned, including:
💧 hydrological restoration,
🌱 habitat management,
📣 community awareness, with a clear and ambitious roadmap to 2029.
🌍 The event also marked World Migratory Bird Day, reaffirming Senegal’s commitment to protecting its avian heritage in collaboration with international conservation initiatives 🕊️