Africazine:
New conservation initiative launched in Senegal aims to protect biodiversity.
The Integrated Program for Conservation, Economic Valorization, and Transboundary Resilience (PICVERT) was launched in the Niokolo Koba National Park. This ambitious project spans 30,000 km² across Senegal, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, with a total funding of €5 million from the European Union over three years.
Ambitious Goals of the PICVERT Program
PICVERT aims to restore and conserve biodiversity within the Niokolo-Badiar-Dulombi-Boé transboundary landscape, a crucial ecosystem for West Africa. The program also focuses on generating sustainable economic and social benefits, ensuring equitable sharing of advantages among local populations.
This initiative represents an innovative model for balancing nature preservation with human development, highlighting the importance of both environmental and community needs.
Key Stakeholders and Support
The launch ceremony included ambassadors from Team Europe, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and various program partners such as the National Parks Directorate (SEN METE), Panthera, IBAP (Guinea-Bissau), and OGPNRF (Guinea Conakry). Their involvement underscores the collaborative effort required for the program’s success.
PICVERT is part of the EU’s NaturAfrica initiative, which aims to protect priority landscapes while promoting green and inclusive economic development for local communities.
Strategic Focus Areas of PICVERT
- Conservation: Strengthening biodiversity protection in Niokolo-Koba, Badiar, Dulombi, and Boé National Parks.
- Governance: Improving institutional frameworks and promoting participatory management of natural resources.
- Green Economy: Developing sustainable sectors (shea, honey, etc.) to create green jobs and equitable income for communities.
This program sets a precedent for sustainable development in West Africa.
