Wetlands International Africa strengthens the skills of stakeholders in the Saloum Delta on waterbird monitoring techniques
A true ecological gem and essential stopover for waterbirds along the East Atlantic Flyway, the Saloum Delta recently hosted a series of capacity-building sessions organized by Wetlands International Africa West Coast and Gulf of Guinea (WIACO). These sessions, organized as part of the IKI-CREAF project, aim to equip local stakeholders with the tools they need to better identify and rigorously monitor migratory birds.
First in Palmarin on September 16 and 17, then on Betenty Island from September 23 to 25, 2025, technicians, site managers, members of local communities, and representatives of partner organizations were trained in techniques for identifying, monitoring, and reporting data on waterbirds. Particular attention was paid to habitat mapping, ahead of future training on bird capture and banding.
“These training courses are crucial. The Saloum Delta plays a major role in the life cycle of many migratory species. It is essential that those in the field have the necessary tools to ensure their conservation,” said Captain Sarany Diédhiou, curator of the Palmarin Community Nature Reserve.
As a result of these sessions, several objectives have been achieved, including:
- A substantial strengthening of participants’ capacities in identifying and monitoring waterbirds;
- Improved mastery of data collection, compilation, and reporting methods;
- Mapping of key habitats to facilitate the next stages of the project, including the capture and scientific banding of birds.
Participants praised the participatory and practical approach of the training sessions, which not only enabled them to improve their skills but also to contribute more effectively to the conservation of migratory birds.
The IKI-CREAF project, which is part of a broader effort to build climate resilience in critical sites, continues to play a leading role in the conservation of coastal wetlands in West Africa. And the Saloum Delta, as an ecological crossroads, remains more than ever an essential bastion for the survival of migratory birds.
