Partial view of mangrove vegetation at lake Piso.

The project - Manatee monitoring and habitat conservation in Lake Piso overall goal is to ensure the conservation/protection of the coastal biodiversity species (particularly the West African manatee) in the proposed Lake Piso Sustainable Multiple-Use Nature Reserve (LPSMUNR). Its objectives are in two folds: firstly to conduct a study as a mean of re-confirming the presence of the species in the area. Additionally, the project will put in place a mechanism for the monitoring of the movement of the manatee in the coastal wetlands within the LPSMUNR).

Rural community join survey Team mapping manatee spots on the Maffa River.

Secondly, the project will carry out a vigorous local community sensitization campaign for the conservation and protection of the manatee and its habitat in all communities through town hall meetings, local radio, drama and promotional materials. The project is built in the context of biodiversity species protection and habitat conservation as well as mitigation of ecological threats affecting the manatee population of the Lake Piso basin. Emphasis will also been placed on initiating a pilot community-based eco-tourism program in selected communities to help raise the profile of the animal and its habitat in general.

The threats to the survival of the species derived from the various human intensive livelihood activities including dangerous fishing, farming, hunting and firewood harvesting carried out in the Lake Piso basin. The animal was reportedly observed in this area, especially in the lake and river estuaries some years ago. This creature has been threatened by the various activities mentioned above will help address some of these issues and bring relief to the species. Two assessments conducted in the area by FFI and FACE in 2004 and 2006 respectively revealed the presence of manatee in the Lake Piso basin.

This project will conduct a study to re-confirm the presence and of the animal in the area and put in place monitoring exercises to determine its movement. Further more, in order to increase the scope of awareness and monitoring, local communities (particularly fishermen, hunters, farmers and fuel wood harvesters) and selected community-based grassroots organizations will be encouraged to get directly engaged in the monitoring, awareness raising and promotional activities of the project for the conservation of manatee and its habitat.