In the Senegalese region of Kaolack can be found the magical Sine-Saloum Delta. Where baobabs, freshwater, mangroves, saltwater, and shellfish are woven together before meeting the Atlantic Ocean, the story of a people emerges. Most know the intricate Sine-Saloum Delta as a UNESCO heritage site in Senegal, on the West African coast. I know the Sine-Saloum Delta as a centerpiece in my ancestors' story and a cornerstone of my identity.
The Delta's Geography and Location
In southern-central Senegal, the Sine River--from the North--and the Saloum River--from the center of the country--flow West towards each other before meeting the Atlantic Ocean. With relatively slow moving waters, the banks and tributaries of the Sine and Saloum rivers are founts of life in the watershed.
The Magic of Mangroves
Mangroves—coastal forests in areas where ocean, freshwater, and land meet—are among the most valuable and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing benefits through all four types of ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services). Densely tangled tree roots lessen the intensity of waves and high tides, reduce coastal erosion, and even rebuild and repair the coast (the roots bind and collect silt), protecting inhabitants. Mangroves improve water quality by filtering pollutants (nitrates, phosphates…) and improve air quality by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The economy and food security of the Kaolack region relies almost entirely on fishing. Mangroves serve as ideal breeding grounds and sanctuaries for young fish, providing food, shelter, and protection until migration to the open ocean.
Benefits to the community
The most measurable benefit to the community is the abundance of shellfish mounds present in the delta. The area counts roughly 218 shellfish mounds, on which the economy of Kaolack depends. Shellfish harvest, preparation, and selling is an important source of income for the women of the community. Twenty-eight of the mounds are also tumuli (burial mounds) with artefacts valuable to the study of ancient West African populations and evolution.
The Sine-Saloum Delta also contributes to the touristic income of the region through kayaking, traditional pirogue rides, paddle, mangrove tree planting, horse back riding... It is also a remarkable ecosystem for bird-watching.
More Than Just a Delta...
I have always been impressed by the Sine-Saloum Delta, even without the important role it plays in my identity. In the mid 1800s, the Senegalese region of Kaolack was founded by Biram Pulo Sow, a nomadic Peul tribe leader who decided to settle and benefit from the rich resources of the land. My familial connection to the founder of the Kaolack region can be traced from father to son--Biram Pulo Sow, to Sega Pulo Sow, to Alioune "Mboutou" Sow, to Tchierno Ciré Sow, to Mamadou Sow--to my mother, Amélie Sow.
I've been able to express my passion for mangroves in different ways. From my "Magic of Mangroves" project in 9th grade to The Earth Prize in 11th, I have discovered the potential of mangroves as strong climate breakdown-mitigators in tropical areas. I often wonder if my enthusiasm for these trees comes from my family history and to what degree I owe my interests to my family's experiences.
Still, even without such a connection to the Sine-Saloum Delta, as affirmed by the UNESCO, "the region of the Saloum Delta is a remarkable testimony to the synergy between a natural environment with extensive biodiversity and a style of human development that is still present albeit fragile" and is undeniably an ambassador in environmental preservation and sustainable living.
It was only fitting that I conclude my time in the Environmental Club and as the blog editor with an article on mangroves. On its first day, the website committee counted only three people, including myself. To see the website and blog flourish into a means for education, advocacy, and outreach encourages me in my pursuit of environmental studies and creative writing.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the club and website; neither would be here today without you!
Sources:
Curiosity Stream. (2020) The Magic of Mangroves. Curiosity Stream.URL: https://curiositystream.com/video/3664.
Saloum Delta. UNESCO World Heritage Convention. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1359/
Histoire: Alioune Sow dit «Mboutou», le doyen des Chefs du canton du Sénégal. LeralTV. https://www.leral.net/Histoire-Alioune-Sow-dit-Mboutou--le-doyen-des-Chefs-du-canton-du-Senegal_a323152.html
Sine Saloum tourist attractions. Discover Senegal. https://discover-senegal.com/the-sine-saloum/
Histoire de Mboutout Sow: Quand un Monument du Saloum se Lie Avec le Venere Cheikh Amadou Bamba Mbake. Sinesaloum. http://www.sinesaloum.info/histoire-de-mboutou-sow-quand-un-monument-du-saloum-se-lie-avec-le-venere-cheikh-ahmadou-bamba-mbacke.html