Pendjari Biosphere Reserve – Sustainable Tourism in Western Africa Cosme KPADONOU, Matthias KUNERT Tourism promotion Pendjari National Park Republic of Benin www.pendjari.net

Pendjari Biosphere Reserve – Sustainable tourism in Western Africa Outline What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve? Why is Pendjari a sustainable destination? What are the attractions of Pendjari? Which alternatives exist for your visit? How do we improve tourism offers? How to integrate Pendjari in a tour?

What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve? Facts & Figures WAP 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) Pendjari

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

What is Pendjari Biosphere Reserve? Facts & Figures 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

Why is Pendjari a sustainable destination? 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? 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.

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 More than 470 bird species = more than three times as many bird species as France (150) and Allemagne (130)

What are the attractions of Pendjari? Diversified African landscape Atacora Mountain Chain Pendjari River Savannah and forests Waterfalls and lakes Diversity of landscape with savannas, forests, rivers, lakes and mountains

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

Which alternatives exist for your visit? 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 Rainy season mid-May to mid-October Green landscape and magnificent animals Comfortable climate Limited park access between August and October Hot season up to 45 degrees Rainy season 25 to 30 degrees

Which alternatives exist for your visit? 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. 6500 tourists, 70 annual hunters contributent 65% of the park’s revenues.

Which alternatives exist for your visit? 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 6500 tourists, 70 annual hunters contributent 65% of the park’s revenues.

Which alternatives exist for your visit? The right accommodation Alternative 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? The right accommodation Alternative 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

How do we improve tourism offers? Developing new products 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

How do we improve tourism offers? Implementing a joint ecotourism strategy 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

How do we improve tourism offers? Strengthening touristic actors Annual training of tour guides Organizational support of guides’ associations Co-operation with tour operators in product development and marketing

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Day 1: Cotonou 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 2 / 3: Cotonou - Ouidah Ouidah Parc W Fisher’s road between coconut palms, beach and lagoon Road of the slaves, point of no return Centre of Voodoo During the 17., 18. and 19. century, almost 1.000.000 slaves have been transported from Ouidah across the Atlantic. Tolerance of religions: Basilique next to Temple of the Python Night at Ouidah, good standard middle class hotels 20

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Day 4: Abomey Ouidah Parc W Former centre of the Dahomey Kingdom Royal palaces and unique bas-reliefs (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Abomey Historical Museum Based on slave trade, Amazone soldiers Palaces of crown princes and family communities 21

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Day 5 / 6: Somba Region Ouidah Parc W Natitingou Museum Land of the Tata Somba – miniature two-storey clay forts of the Betammaribe Cliff of the Atacora Mountains

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Day 7 / 8 : Pendjari Ouidah Parc W Relaxing at Tanongou Waterfalls Cultural village or mountain tour Wildlife safari in the National Park

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Day 9 / 10 : W Regional Park Ouidah Parc W Trinational UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Benin–Burkina Faso-Niger Wildlife safari Boots tours on the Niger River

How to integrate Pendjari in a tour? Ouidah Parc W Day 10 / 11: Zone of Giraffes / Niamey Last herd of wild giraffes in West Africa at Kouré Niger River and mosque of Niamey

Thank you for your attention! www.pendjari.net