Back to the list:
maplistapps

Niumi

General information
Stretching along the north bank of the Gambia River, the biosphere reserve lies adjacent to Senegal’s Delta de Saloum Biosphere Reserve in the north. Within its boundaries, mangroves dominate the coastal areas and riverbanks, whereas, downstream, striking red limestone formations punctuate tropical forests and open savannah woodland. The biosphere reserve safeguards some of West Africa's last pristine mangrove forests, alongside the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve and various State forests. Notably, the biosphere reserve encompasses a Ramsar wetland and the UNESCO World Heritage site Kunta Kinteh Island, historically known as a place where enslaved peoples were held before being transported to the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries. With a sprawling expanse of 1 937 km², the biosphere reserves is home to approximately 178 000 inhabitants, who make a living mostly with farming and fisheries. It is the first biosphere reserve to be designated in The Gambia.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2024
Country
Gambia
Total population
178000
Area
Surface
193,665.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 13.5016 - Longitude: -16.1282
Ecological Characteristics
The biosphere reserve hosts a variety of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Within the biosphere reserve there are woodlands and wooded grasslands, savanna, gallery forests, permanent marine waters, and mangroves. These ecosystems are key to preserving the natural ecosystems of the region. The site is rich in biodiversity in terms of both flora and fauna. The mix of marine and terrestrial ecosystems provides habitats for a wide range of species from marine mammals to reptiles and amphibians as well as protected tree species. The site is estimated to have 80 species of mammals (out of 117 total species in the country), over 500 species of birds, 70 fish species, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Many scientific studies have been carried out throughout the proposed biosphere reserve.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
This biosphere reserve hosts a population of around 178,000. There are five distinct ethnic groups Goun, Wémè, Xwla, Toffin, and Sètto-Xwla. The target area is covered by a homogeneous settlement and most of the land is used for agriculture. The biosphere reserve is made up of six districts, including about 150 villages.

Related items