Beaumond, N.

Burkina Faso boasts both varied natural and artificially created wetlands, the latter resulting from some 1100 dams or embankments. These wetlands, however, have not been seen as distinct ecosystem units and responsibility for wetland issues has been fragmented. At the initiative of IUCN in Ouagadougou, an informal network of experts was set up during 1992 to provide a forum for debate on wetland issues in Burkina Faso.

This well-illustrated traininig manual for wetland managers summarises the ecology of freshwater and coastal wetlands in West Africa. It provides an overview of the main tools for ensuring that their values and functions are adequately maintained for the benefit of local communities and wildlife. The technical appendices offer detailed guidance on designing and implementing management plans and monitoring programmes for protected wetlands.