Pendjari Biosphere Reserve – Sustainable Tourism in Western Africa

Cosme KPADONOU, Matthias KUNERTTourism promotion Pendjari National ParkRepublic of Beninwww.pendjari.net

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Outline

Pendjari Biosphere Reserve – Sustainable tourism in Western Africa

1. What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve?

2. Why is Pendjari a sustainable destination?

3. What are the attractions of Pendjari?

4. Which alternatives exist for your visit?

5. How do we improve tourism offers?

6. How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

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What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve?

• One of the best protected nature reserves of West Africa in Northern Benin

• 630 km from Cotonou, 500 from Niamey and 450 from Ouagadougou

• Part of the largest complex of protected areas in Western Africa (WAP)

Facts & Figures

WAP

Pendjari

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What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve?

• 275,000 ha National Park (total reserve)

• 205,000 ha hunting zones (partial reserve)

• Pendjari River and numerous lakes

• 4 park entrances

• Modern and traditional accommodation

• More than 400 km stabilized dirt roads

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What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve?

• Since 1954: Pendjari Wildlife Reserve

• Since 1961: Pendjari National Park

• Since 1986: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

• Since 2007: Protection of flooded savannah areas under the RAMSAR convention of protected wetlands

Facts & Figures

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Co-management with local populations

Since 1999, joint park management with 23 villagers associations:

• Controlled access to natural resources

• Joint exploitation of hunting zones: 30% of revenues, jobs and meat for the local population

• Joint patrols and anti-poaching activities

• Local development activities for the benefit of local populations

Why is Pendjari a sustainable destination?

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Ecotourism approach• Contributing to the financing of

park management actually 30% cost coverage

• Generating alternative income sources for the local population to minimize nature destructing activities guides, car renters, employees

of hotels and restaurants, sellers of hand craft, etc.

• Promoting micro enterprises traditional accommodation in

the village, local tour operators, etc.

Why is Pendjari a sustainable destination?

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What are the attractions of Pendjari?

Wealthiest diversity of flora and fauna in Western Africa

4 of the Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard 10 species of antelopes, 4 species of

monkeys Rare mammals like cheetah and topi More than 470 bird species

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What are the attractions of Pendjari?

Diversified African landscape

Atacora Mountain Chain Pendjari River

Savannah and forests Waterfalls and lakes

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What are the attractions of Pendjari?

Ethnic and cultural diversity

Bialbe, Gourmantché, Waba, Bétamaribé, Fulani Architectural treasures, such as Tata Somba Strong traditions: fetishes, ceremonies,

dances Pure African life: lively markets, diverse cuisine

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The right travel time• Dry season mid-October to mid-May

Excellent visibility of wildlife between December and May

Burnt landscape, particularly in November and December

Dry but hot climate, particularly in the end of dry season

Which alternatives exist for your visit?

• Rainy season mid-May to mid-October Green landscape and magnificent animals Comfortable climate Limited park access between August and October

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The right program

• Wildlife safari by 4x4 car Explore the network of more

than 400 km dirt roads,

Observe wildlife from several observation points at the lakes,

Walk a small trekking trail and listen to the sounds of nature,

Accompany local fishermen on a small boat trip on the Pendjari,

Bird watching tour with specialized guides.

Which alternatives exist for your visit?

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The right program

• Trekking tour in the Atacora Mountains Discover the source of a

waterfall, see monkeys and enjoy a wide savannah view

• Cultural tour in a park bordering village Visit the chief of the village, see

fetishes and holy places, traditional and modern mills, the production of millet beer and typical meals, etc.

• Sport hunting Hunt buffalos, antelopes, lions

and other animals in the hunting zone

Which alternatives exist for your visit?

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The right accommodationAlternative 1: Enjoying modern comfort

• Relax in one of the 7 hotels and hostels in the Reserve offering some 100 rooms with air conditions or fan

• Use the wide range of hotels and hostels in the provincial capital Natitingou (50 km)

Which alternatives exist for your visit?

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The right accommodationAlternative 2: Submersing into a village

• Enjoy the warm welcome of 5 families offering a total of 8 rooms in their houses

• Taste the traditional cuisine

• Support directly local communities

Which alternatives exist for your visit?

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• Two day boots tours on the Pendjari River with accommodation in tree houses at the riverbank

• Special bird watching observation points• Night safari tours• Mountain bike tours in the park’s periphery • Savannah hiking tours in the park

Developing new products

How do we improve tourism offers?

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Implementing a joint ecotourism strategy

How do we improve tourism offers?

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• Vision “Pendjari 2013”:

“The diversification of tourism offers, the respect of international quality standards and the efficient organization of tourism actors make furthermore growing the reputation of Pendjari Biosphere Reserve as the best ecotourism destination of Western Africa.”

Priority 2009:• Foundation of a Pendjari

Tourism Development Association with a tourism office at Tanguiéta

Strengthening touristic actors

AKPANAAdamou

Catégorie AConnaissances élevées de faune, flore et cultures locales

Guide touristique(Badge valide jusqu’au 12/2010)

• Annual training of tour guides• Organizational support of guides’

associations• Co-operation with tour operators

in product development and marketing

How do we improve tourism offers?

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Ouidah

Parc W

• Benin’s economic centre• Dantokpa – One of the biggest markets

of West Africa

Alternatives: • Lomé (Togo) and its colonial architecture• Accra (Ghana) and the forts at the slave

coast

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Day 1: Cotonou

Ouidah

Parc W

• Fisher’s road between coconut palms, beach and lagoon

• Road of the slaves, point of no return

• Centre of Voodoo

Day 2 / 3: Cotonou - Ouidah

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Ouidah

Parc W

• Former centre of the Dahomey Kingdom

• Royal palaces and unique bas-reliefs (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Abomey Historical Museum

Day 4: Abomey

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Ouidah

Parc W

• Natitingou Museum • Land of the Tata Somba –

miniature two-storey clay forts of the Betammaribe

• Cliff of the Atacora Mountains

Day 5 / 6: Somba Region

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Ouidah

Parc W

• Relaxing at Tanongou Waterfalls

• Cultural village or mountain tour

• Wildlife safari in the National Park

Day 7 / 8 : Pendjari

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Ouidah

Parc W

• Trinational UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Benin–Burkina Faso-Niger

• Wildlife safari• Boots tours on the

Niger River

Day 9 / 10 : W Regional Park

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Ouidah

Parc W

• Last herd of wild giraffes in West Africa at Kouré

• Niger River and mosque of Niamey

Day 10 / 11: Zone of Giraffes / Niamey

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

Thank you for your attention!

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