The natural reserve of Ker Cupaam, islocated along the Atlantic coast in Senegal, a fragment of aformer national forest, basically for the protection ofendangered species. Both the flora, and fauna had beenseverely damaged as a result of drought, grazing, andfirewood harvest. Though constitution of the nature reservein the 1980s, helped control further environmentaldegradation, the region's vegetation had been soseverely damaged, that clearly intensive efforts were neededto restore its ecology, and attract tourism to benefit thelocal population. The creation of the Association of Womenof Popenguine for the Protection of the Environment, tookplace in 1988, which used its own resources, and lateradditional donor assistance. Measures included theconstitution of green firebreaks around the perimeter,replanting native species, and organizing workshops to learnabout nature conservation in order to perform the requiredlabor. This lead to measures for the provision of alternatesources of energy, and to achieve commercialself-sufficiency to obtain cooking fuel; a cooperativenetwork would distribute wood, charcoal, and gas, and,regulate consumption; a village tree nursery, and forestconservation efforts begun; and, collection of householdwastes for composting was established. Soon, surroundingvillages were participating, and, new dimensions includedcredit and banking; tourist and training infrastructure;and, youth employment. The reserve now covers fifty squaremiles, and provide economic opportunities for bordering communities.
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