In the Sahel region of Burkina Faso, degraded land is protected from animal browsing and deforestation by means of small-scale fencing (each covering around 3 hectares). This project, led by the NGOs newTree and tiipaalga, enables natural and sustainable reforestation, which benefits local farmers and restores soil fertility in the long term. Biodiversity also benefits from these small areas with a big impact.
©
© Alain Jacot
©
© Alain Jacot
©
© Alain Jacot
©
© Ruedi Aeschlimann
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso
Common Nightingale
Domain
Conservation
Unit
Species Recovery
Topic
Species Recovery, Habitat Promotion, Migratory Birds
Habitat
semi-open farmland
Project start
2022
Project completion
2026
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Alain Jacot
Project region
Africa
Details
Project objectives
Our study analyses the positive effects of this measure on biodiversity, specifically on migratory and breeding birds, and on the livelihood of local farmers.
Methodology
We are studying the effects of the fencing on bird communities using acoustic monitoring. In particular, we are investigating how seasonal fluctuations in vegetation affect habitat utilisation by resident and migratory birds inside and outside the enclosures. In a second socio-ecological approach, we assess the importance of different ecosystem services for the local population and other stakeholders.
Significance
This project provides important information on the optimal vegetation structure to benefit both the birdlife and the local population. Our work demonstrates the critical importance of small-scale habitat restoration for sustainable livelihoods and bird conservation. The findings serve as an argument and basis for future reforestation projects in the Sahel.
Project partner(s)
Project team members
Betroffene Vogelarten
Unit
Species Recovery
Wildlife conservation coordinates the development, improvement and dissemination of measures in favour of priority bird species that cannot be helped by habitat protection alone. Together with BirdLife Switzerland and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the department also coordinates the “Species Recovery for Swiss Birds” programme.
Additional projects
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