GEF approves US$1.26 million for a new IUCN initiative in Senegal’s Niokolo-Koba National Park

“The approval of this new initiative marks an important step in consolidating conservation efforts in Niokolo-Koba National Park, one of West Africa’s most emblematic natural landscapes. The initiative seeks to strengthen ecosystem restoration, participatory governance and sustainable livelihoods for local communities, while supporting Senegal’s priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Through this initiative, IUCN reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government of Senegal and its partners in preserving this natural heritage of global significance,” said Balla Moussa Sidibé, IUCN Regional Director for West and Central Africa (PACO). 

Located in southeastern Senegal and spanning the regions of Kédougou, Tambacounda and Kolda, Niokolo-Koba National Park covers nearly 913,000 hectares. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the largest Sudanian savannah landscapes in West Africa and harbours exceptional biodiversity, including more than 70 mammal species and 329 bird species. 

Although the park was removed from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger in 2024 following significant conservation and management efforts, it continues to face a range of pressures, including poaching, bushfires, agricultural expansion, mining activities, the spread of invasive species such as Mimosa pigra, and the growing impacts of climate change. 

The proposed 24-month project is expected to be implemented by IUCN and executed by the Directorate of National Parks under Senegal’s Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition. It is also expected to leverage US$4 million in co-financing to support conservation and sustainable management efforts across the Niokolo-Koba landscape. 

The initiative aims to restore 3,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems, improve the management of 913,000 hectares of terrestrial protected areas and promote sustainable management practices across 5,000 hectares of landscapes. It is also expected to strengthen participatory governance, ecological monitoring and sustainable livelihoods in communities surrounding the park. 

In total, 2,000 people, including 1,500 women, are expected to benefit directly from the initiative. By placing local communities, women and young people at the centre of restoration and sustainable management efforts, the project seeks to promote an integrated approach that brings together biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience and local development.