River Cacheu natural park

Area
Protected area has 800 km2 covered with 68% of mangrove.

Creation Date
December 2000

Resident communities
The estimated population is 7,930 inhabitants.
Ethnic groups present Felupe, Cobián, Manjaques, Baiotes, Balanta. Banhum and others. There are around 40 villages in the area.

Main objective
Conservation and utilization of mangrove ecosystems and biodiversity: supporting sustainable development through the rational exploitation of natural resources.

Importance
The mangrove ecosystem covers 68% of the area and is considered to be the largest continuous block of mangrove forest in West Africa. Appreciated for its great diversity of flora and fauna, bird population and large mammals such as hippopotamus, gazelle, manatee, guenon monkeys and a large variety of fish, shellfish and shrimps, river Cacheu remains an important ecosystem worth of further research and protection.

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badigue ecovillage

To put guiding principles of the center into practice an environment friendly accommodation facilities for collaborators and tourist will be built. Six traditional round mud huts with wild rice roofing, ecological bathroom facilities, a common space for dinning and relaxing and additional facilities, where personal development activities and holistic body treatment takes place, will be constructed. All these will be powered with the use of sustainable energy resources. Surrounding land is used for farming, breeding plants and animals, based on permaculture conclusions. For educational purposes all the plants are tagged with name and use signs, both in english and kriol. Garden that surrounds the resort will also be the place of artistic intervention (with the emphasis on designing unique garden utilities) which transforms it into enjoyable working and relaxing environment.

If needed, extra accommodation for visitors would be rented in Sao Domingos and surrounding villages (seaside resort in Varela, central Sao Domingos, ...). To offer better insight into the whole region of West Africa trips into neighbouring countries as well as inland arrival to Guinea Bissau through Sahara would be organized. For the means of raising awareness about river Cacheu natural park guided educational excursions with traditional canoes are predicted.

Responsible ecotourism

quality of living, education

Responsible ecotourism, supported by sustainable and environment friendly infrastructure, follows the basic guidelines in contemporary tourist industry. Based on a combination of educational (working on farm, seminars and workshops on local issues), personal development and treatment (meditation, massage, aroma and herbal therapy), sport activities (cycling, hiking, swimming, yoga classes) it provides a deeper insight and understanding of the community and its natural surroundings. Resort is build up in collaboration with Badigue based Nhabali family. Once established tourist resort positively effects local economy by providing job posts for local people and increasing income of smaller enterprises, such as shops, artisaneries, restaurants, etc. It promotes and raises awareness about the importance of the natural resort where it is situated.