Wetlands

This very first directory of wetlands of one of the most arid zones on earth is intended to increase awareness among decision makers and planners of the consequences of wetland loss and degradation. It will also assist responsible authorities to identify new sites for listing under the Ramsar Convention. The directory consists of a series of national reports describing the principal wetlands in 13 countries.

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.

This book deals with the different types of soil and the soil characteristics of mangrove swamps, the flora and invertebrate fauna as well as with the vertebrate fauna. Furthermore the book informs about the settlement and development of mangroves as well as with the management and utilization of forest resources. Also topics like fishery and agriculture and conservation of biological resources are shown in detail.