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Sustainable Ecotourism Assessment

Gourma Region, Mali

US Forest Service Office of International Programs In support of la Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature

Mission : May 19 – 30, 2008

Ted Cable Donald Gay Park Management & Conservation Wildlife Biologist Kansas State University US Forest Service [email protected], tel: 785-532-1408 [email protected], tel: 360-856-5700 x 236

Lauren Chitty Mamadou Mariko Africa Program Specialist Tourism and Development Expert US Forest Service AMCFE [email protected], tel: 202-273-4728 [email protected], [email protected], tel: +223-642-0217 FINAL ENGLISH 7/1/2008

I. Table of Contents

I. Table of Contents…………………………...... 2 II. List of Acronyms……...... 3 III. Acknowledgements...... 4 IV. Executive Summary ...... 5 V. Introduction...... 7 VI. The Gourma: A Brief Background……………………………………………..8 VII. Key Issues, Findings, Recommendations…………………….….……………...9 A. Short-term Persistence of the Elephant Population…………………………9 B. Medium to Long-term Persistence of the Elephant Population……………10 C. Development of Water Sources for Elephants…………………….……….12 D. Large Livestock Herds (cattle, sheep, goat, camel)…… ……….…………13 E. Lack of awareness about the Gourma elephants………………….……..…14 F. Insufficient infrastructure to support elephant viewing tourism……….…..15 G. Additional tourism opportunities around elephant-viewing sites…….…....17 H. Other wildlife tourism opportunities……………….…………...……….…18 I. Feasibility of developing sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region …18 J. Carrying Capacity of the Elephant Reserve……………….………….……27 VIII. Additional Information…………………………………………………………29 IX. Conclusion………………………………………………….…………………..30 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………….……...33 Annex I: Mission Itinerary and Key Contacts…………………………………………34 Annex II: Scope of Work………………………………………………………………40 Annex III: Gossi: “L’Oasis de la Région Gourma”…………………………………...46 Annex IV. Birding Africa and Naturetrek tours to Mali…………..…...... ………49 Annex V. Mali Elephant Project Map of Migratory Path……………….……………50

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II. List of Acronyms

AMCFE – Association Malienne Pour la Conservation de la Faune et de L’Environnement

DNACPN – Direction Nationale de l’Assainissement et du Contrôle des Pollutions et des Nuisances

DNCN – Direction nationale de la Conservation de la Nature

EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment

GIS – Geographic Information System

GPS – Global Positioning System

MEP – Mali Elephant Project

NGO – Non-Governmental Organization

OMATHO – Office Malien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (OMATHO),

PCVBG-E – Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants

RN – Route Nationale

STE – Save the Elephants

USFS – United States Forest Service

WILD – The WILD Foundation

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III. Acknowledgements

The USFS International Programs mission team extends sincere thanks to our Malian hosts and counterparts. We were received with great hospitality, and quickly appreciated the camaraderie, professionalism, and technical exchange shared with our counterparts at the Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature (DNCN). We also extend a sincere vote of thanks to the DNCN for graciously allocating the use of a vehicle to this mission. To all with whom we collaborated, thank you.

We are especially grateful to Mr. Mamadou Kané, Chef de Division Conservation de la Faune et de son habitat at the DNCN, who collaborated with our team during our entire mission in the field. Mr. Kané’s participation and dedication to the goals of this mission helped ensure success and provided essential contacts with important stakeholders in the field. Our sincere thanks to Mr. Kané for his dedication, hard work, investment of time and energy, and—especially— commitment to the ongoing success of this work.

We extend our gratitude to Mr. Biramou Sissoko Coordinator of PCVBG-E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants,) who graciously contributed invaluable background information in preparation for this mission. We are sorry that you were called away from Mali during our actual mission, and will hope to meet you in person next time!

We thank the US Embassy and USAID in Bamako for the support provided to our team for the mission, and look forward to ongoing exchanges in the future in support of conservation, biodiversity, and improved livelihoods in Mali.

USFS extends sincere gratitude to l’Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l’Environnement (AMCFE), and—particularly—to our colleague and partner, Mr. Mamadou Mariko. Your hard work and dedication to the cause of conservation is unparalleled. We cannot adequately express our admiration for the work you do, nor our appreciation for all of the energy expended on the ground in Mali prior to our arrival in-country for this mission. It has been an honor to work with you.

We thank Mike Deutsch and the Mali Elephant Project (DNCN, Save the Elephants, and The WILD Foundation) for their collaborative spirit, the resources shared, and hospitality at Banzena.

We extend our thanks to all who made time to meet with our team and share important information regarding conservation, community welfare, tourism activities, and government priorities in Mali, and for the Gourma Region in particular. Your investment of time and interest are important first steps toward the essential collaborative approach to sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma, which is required in order to achieve success.

We greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve in this unique and challenging mission, and extend our thanks for support to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, to Kansas State University and the US Embassy Fulbright Program, and to USFS International Programs in Washington, DC.

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IV. Executive Summary

Mali’s Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature (DNCN) requested US Forest Service (USFS) technical assistance in assessing sustainable ecotourism opportunities in the Gourma Region of Mali. Priority goals for the Government of Mali in this region include protection of the natural resources (flora and fauna) in the Gourma and improved livelihoods of local populations. The Gourma is a unique region of Mali, hosting the northern most population of elephants on the African continent. These animals which have coexisted with humans for generations are at a critical juncture, as competition for water and food resources increase with expanding human and livestock populations in the area.

A team comprised of technical experts from USFS, Kansas State University, and Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l’Environnement (AMCFE) worked in-country with counterparts from DNCN and important stakeholders including Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants (PCVBG-E), Office Malien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (OMATHO), other local, regional, and national government representatives, local and international NGO’s, community associations, travel agencies, and the Mali Elephant Project (MEP) from May 19 – 30, 2008. During the mission, the team visited key sites along the elephants’ migratory path (including Boni, Inadiatafane, Bambara-Maounde, Banzena, and Gossi), examined the feasibility of tourism in the area, and gained insight from local populations and government.

The team believes sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region is, indeed, a viable vector for conservation as well as improved livelihoods of local populations. The successful implementation of ecotourism in the Gourma Region will be dependent upon inner-ministerial collaboration (especially between the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Ministry of Tourism, and—possibly—the Ministry of Culture) and transparent partnerships with other actors in the region.

The following are important “take-away points” from the mission, assembled by our team. In order for sustainable ecotourism to be achieved in the Gourma that contributes to conservation and improves local livelihoods, the team believes these following points must be acknowledged and addressed collaboratively across institutions in Mali working to conserve biodiversity and to attract and support ecotourists:

• The elephant reserve, including Banzena, is not currently managed. Human settlement in the elephant reserve threatens elephant access to water (and, ultimately, survival.) • During the last 2 months of the dry season (April and May,) all elephants except for adult males are completely dependent on access to the mare (large pond) at Banzena for survival. • The migration of elephant family groups over an enormous area results in no single location being able to consistently provide elephant viewing opportunities.

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Tourism that includes viewing elephant family groups would need to take advantage of several sites along the migration route. • There is a need for infrastructure development at prime potential elephant viewing points (including Boni, Banzena, and Inadiatafane). • An effort should be made by communities to diversify the ecotourism experience beyond simply elephant viewing: i.e. camel rides, cultural events, bird watching, and interpretive visits to archaeological sites. • A number of tourism options are possible, ranging from low to mid to high-end experiences. • Regulations must be enforced (and, possibly, additional regulations should be established) in the Elephant Reserve. (i.e. settlement ban within 5 km of the mare at Banzena must be enforced.) • Collaboration between DNCN and researchers in the region is crucial. • As there is no formalized ecotourism law in Mali, it would be prudent to form an inner-ministerial committee with representatives from Ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Culture in order to facilitate communication and collaboration between government agencies and to agree upon an ecotourism approach, regulations, and enforcement. • PCVBG-E should work with local communities to identify the most pressing development needs (water systems, etc.). • PCVBG-E should include current and future information on key elephant use areas in negotiating and establishing Conservation Areas and Conservation Zones. • Determine / establish boundaries of Reserve and support enforcement of ecologically sound management of resource; it would be prudent to develop and implement a comprehensive management plan. • Government of Mali should focus on the Gourma Region as a priority area in terms of land and resource management. • Guide Training efforts should be enhanced and coordinated among the various training entities (including strengthening ties between OMATHO and the Tourism program at the University of Bamako.) • An Interpretation Plan should be established to coordinate strategic communications with visitors. • Communication between local / regional / national government and knowledgeable community members (local guides, herders, trackers, etc.) should be encouraged. Eventually, a committee(s) should be formed to facilitate communication between government (DNCN / OMATHO) and community organizations (Les Amis Des Elephants, local guides, etc.) Communities must have a voice in managing the land, and be able to help monitor economic resources that ecotourism activities generate; communities can be a powerful resource in managing and monitoring the Reserve, provided they see the benefits reaped by their efforts. • It is essential that proprietors of large animal herds in Gourma (many of whom live in Mopti or Bamako) be identified and brought into the discussion with other stakeholders in the region (communities, local leaders, OMATHO, DNCN.) • Awareness of and education about the Gourma and its elephants must be communicated at local, national, and global levels.

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V. Introduction

Mali’s Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature (DNCN) requested US Forest Service (USFS) technical assistance in assessing sustainable ecotourism opportunities in the Gourma Region of Mali. Priority goals for the Government of Mali in this region include protection of the natural resources (flora and fauna) in the Gourma and improved livelihoods of local populations. The Gourma is a unique region of Mali, hosting the northern most population of elephants on the African continent. These animals that have coexisted with humans for generations are at a critical juncture, as competition for water and food resources increase with expanding human and livestock populations in the area.

A team comprised of technical experts from USFS, Kansas State University, and Association Malienne pour la Conservation de la Faune et de l’Environnement (AMCFE) worked in-country with counterparts from DNCN and important stakeholders including Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants (PCVBG-E,) Office Malien du Tourisme et de l’Hôtellerie (OMATHO,) other local, regional, and national government representatives, local and international NGO’s, community associations, travel agencies, and the Mali Elephant Project (MEP) from May 19 – 30, 2008. During the mission, the team visited key sites along the elephants’ migratory path (including Douentza, Boni, Inadiatafane, Bambara- Maounde, Banzena, Hombori, and Gossi.) examined the feasibility of tourism in the area, and gained insight from local populations and government.

The team believes sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region is, indeed, a viable vector for conservation as well as improved livelihoods of local populations. The successful implementation of ecotourism in the Gourma Region will be dependent upon inner-ministerial collaboration (especially between the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Culture) and transparent partnerships with other actors in the region.

The text in Section VII details the main issues encountered during the course of the USFS mission in collaboration with DNCN, and treats them in the following format: • Issue – A brief description of the problem • Findings – Team’s first hand observations • USFS Recommendations – Potential solutions based on the Team’s past experience and current research • Opportunities for USFS Technical Support – Specific technical expertise USFS can offer DNCN and other Malian partners, if desired; based upon the availability of resources.

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VI. The Gourma: A Brief Background

The Gourma Region of Mali (hereafter “the Gourma”) is located in the sahélian zone; it includes eighteen(18) communes divided between three (3) administrative regions (Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao.) In 1959, part of the Gourma Region (approximately 1.25 million hectares) was classified as “Réserve des Elephants;” the exact boundaries of the Elephant Reserve, however, are unclear.

The rainfall received in the Gourma is 600 mm in the south and 550 mm in the north.

Approximate borders of the Gourma are: - The Niger River to the north and east; - The Niger inner delta to the west; - The Burkina Faso and Niger Republic borders to the south.

Vegetation in the Gourma: • In the extreme north, grassy steppe herbaceous including Salvadora, Leptadenia, Aristida species and Balanites aegytiaca ligneous. • In the north and center also herbaceous Salvadora stipoides, Cenchrus sp and Schoenfeldia gracilis; ligneous are Acacia sp and Chomiphora Africana. • In the south is shrub savanna with Acacia nilotoca, Anogeisus leiocarpus, Guiera senegalensis, Ziziphus mauritiana, etc.

Of the eighteen (18) communes within the Gourma, there is elephant presence / activity in nine (9,) per the table below.

Region Circle Commune 1. Bambara-Maoudé 2. Inadiatafane Timbuktu Gourma-Rharous 3. Adjora 4. Gossi 1. Dallah 2. Gandamia Mopti Douentza 3. Haïré (Boni) 4. Mondoro 5. Hombori

During the 1970s, the Gourma boasted very rich fauna including Gazella rufifrons, Damaliscus korigum, Gazella dorcas, Struthio camelus, Otis arabes and Neotis dehnami; unfortunately, today most of these species are either extinct in the Gourma or extremely rare. Loxodonta africana (elephant) is the only remaining great terrestrial mammal in the Gourma. An IUCN aerial inventory in May/June 2007 revealed 340 elephants living and migrating within the Gourma (including a small area of Burkina Faso). According to IUCN specialists, there has been no increase in the population of Gourma elephants

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between the years of 2002 to 2007. That is to say, the Gourma elephant population is fragile; it is the northernmost population of elephants on the African continent and, since the extinction of the Mauritanian elephant in the 1980s, the last remaining herd anywhere in this arid, sahelian environment.

The ethnic groups found in the Gourma are Dogon, Tuareg, Peul, Songhoï and Maure.

Pastoralism, agriculture, and commerce are the main activities of the region.

VII. Key Issues, Findings, Recommendations

A. Issue: Short-term Persistence of the Elephant Population

Findings: It is possible to develop sustainable tourism that includes elephant viewing in the Gourma region and to use tourism as a way to improve the livelihoods of local communities. However, in order to achieve this goal, human activities within the range of the elephant herd must be managed in a way that allows the elephant population to persist. Currently, this herd is in serious danger and could be extinct within one year if access to permanent water at Banzena is not available next April and May due to human settlement or livestock watering practices. Factors contributing to this high level of extinction risk are:

• During the last 2 months of the dry season (April and May,) all elephants except adult males are completely dependent on access to the mare at Banzena for water, and therefore, survival. • Currently, the elephant reserve, including Banzena, is not managed. Human settlement threatens to preclude elephant access to water. If access to water is lost for elephant family groups (as it was in Gossi,) the herd, which comprises 12% of the entire west African elephant population, as well as a unique genetic stock, will be lost. • Although adult male elephants can be habituated to human presence, females and family groups are not tolerant of the presence of humans or livestock. Intensive livestock watering at the mare at Banzena can greatly limit, and potentially prevent, elephant access to water.

Recommendations: Mike Deutsch of Save the Elephants (STE) and the Mali Elephant Project (MEP) believes that in the short-term (next few years,) efforts must be taken at Banzena to ensure that females and family groups have access to water during April and May when the lake at Banzena is the only available water source. Most importantly, there needs to be a large portion of the mare at Banzena where livestock can not be watered in order to allow elephant family groups access to water. One suggestion would be to allow livestock only on the northern side of the mare,

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leaving the southern side free for elephant use.

Additionally, permanent or semi-permanent settlements need to be removed within 5 km of the lake as prescribed in a Malian governmental decree that was enacted within the last 6 years (Deutsch pers comm.).

Both of these critically important tasks can be accomplished by the DNCN with existing personnel and little or no additional monetary investment. These may also be tasks that can be supported by the PCVBG-E, and help facilitate communication within the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation; particularly, collaboration between the DNCN at-large, and the specific project PCVBG-E.

Immediately feasible actions might include: • Station a DNCN person at/near Banzena to limit livestock access to water from the north side of the mare, and prohibit access from the south side. (The south side of the mare could be reserved uniquely for elephant use.) This will be most critical during April and May. • During other months, and when livestock numbers are fewer, DNCN should begin engaging fully in the process of moving illegal human settlements, and patrolling the area to ensure no new squatter settlements are established. An excellent first step has been taken in that, with government and community support, illegal fishermen were resettled away from the mare at Banzena around May 25th. It is crucial that this important action be followed by similar steps that demonstrate government interest and presence in the Reserve—especially around the mare at Banzena—and that ongoing monitoring of the area take place. All such activities should be consistent and in collaboration with the priorities and agents of the PCVBG-E.

**NB. Although there are other areas that need action within the elephant range, Banzena is critical to the elephants’ short-term survival.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses expertise in biodiversity conservation and management, and can work with the DNCN and local stakeholders to strengthen capacity in these areas.

USFS can also offer expertise in ecosystem management and restoration.

B. Issue: Medium to Long-term Persistence of the Elephant Population

Findings: In the medium-term, human settlements must stop occurring in elephant high-use areas and in areas connecting these high use areas. In particular, la Porte des Eléphants (near Boni) must remain free of settlements so that elephants can access habitats south of RN-16 (Route Nationale-16) where

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elephants are believed to obtain the fat reserves they need to endure the long dry season.

Current knowledge of elephant habitat use and habitat quality is based on results of GPS tracking of 2 elephants over an 18-month period in 2000 and 2001, and from a third elephant whose collar functioned intermittently during this period. There are currently 9 GPS-collared elephants that will greatly increase the knowledge about high-use elephant habitats and the corridors that elephants travel to access these critical areas where they secure food and water. A comprehensive management plan including the development needs of local communities would be a medium-term step to manage the 1.25 million hectare reserve that ensures elephant conservation and does not neglect the needs of local communities. The plan should include all areas in the elephant range, including the non-reserve portion of the elephant range that occurs south of RN- 16 and the area east of the reserve, to the town of Gossi.

In addition to stopping the continual loss of high-use habitat areas and connectivity to high-use elephant habitat, it would be beneficial to explore the possibility of increasing the amount of high-use elephant habitat, especially habitats available to females and family groups. The current situation where there is only one water source available during April and May (Banzena) makes this herd seriously vulnerable to extinction. The mare at Banzena reportedly has dried up in the past. If there were access to more that one permanent source of water during these two months, the persistence of the population would be much higher.

Recommendations: • The PCVBG-E should be working now in collaboration with the larger DNCN in known critical areas (such as la Porte des Eléphants) to discourage new human settlements and to remove current settlements. Successfully executing this action will result in helping to ensure persistence of the elephants and minimizing elephant-human conflict. • Develop and implement a Management Plan for both the Reserve and non- reserve potions of the elephant range. The Management Plan should be a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation (DNCN) and Ministry of Tourism (OMATHO,) as well as—possibly—the Ministry of Culture, as local communities will be implicated in the development of ecotourism in this region. This Management Plan should include long-term options to ensure the survival of the elephant herd, including delineating the elephants’ migratory route and prohibiting human settlement and cultivation within this area. The Management Plan should explore options to restore elephant family group access to many permanent water sources within the migratory range of the elephants (such as the mare at Gossi, where elephant family groups no longer drink due to the high human settlement around the water source.) The Management Plan should also identify consequences of such actions on local populations, as well as

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opportunities to mitigate negative effects through a number of options, including resettlement programs.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

US Forest Service has expertise in developing Management Plans in the US, across Africa, and in other parts of the world. This experience is crucial in providing for effective multiple use land management and protected area management. Primary parties with which USFS would suggest collaboration include: the DNCN, PCVBG-E, OMATHO, the Mali Elephant Project (MEP), and Association Malienne Pour la Conservation de la Faune et de L’Environnement (AMCFE.) Plan development should occur no sooner than 2010 to allow for collection of GPS data on the nine collared animals and some degree of data analysis to support planning decisions.

C. Issue: Development of Water Sources for Elephants

Findings: It has been suggested that new water sources be developed for elephants to compensate for those natural water sources that have been lost to elephant use due to new human settlements / increased livestock usage. We do not recommend following this course of action. New water developments will also attract new settlement. New water source development will also attract additional livestock herds, which will not only increase pressure on the new water sources, but will increase grazing pressure within 15km of the new water source.

Recommendation: We recommend that new water sources be developed to support resettlement efforts of persons who might be removed from natural water sources in the elephant range. These new water sources (and resettled areas) should be located at an appropriate distance from high-use elephant habitat; additional studies are required in order to adequately determine the exact distance which should be allowed between human settlement areas and high-use elephant habitat or migratory corridors.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses expertise in the following areas, which can be beneficial to implementing these recommendations: • GIS expertise • Rangeland management & wildlife management (including carrying capacity calculations)

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D. Issue: Large Livestock Herds (cattle, sheep, goat, camel)

Findings: There are some herds of cattle in the Elephant Reserve around Banzena numbering in excess of 22,000 animals. These herds are owned by individuals who live in larger metropolitan areas, reportedly including Mopti / Sevare, Tombouctou, Gao, and Bamako. These individuals are believed to be politically influential, and our team encountered reluctance to discuss them in public meetings.

Recommendation: In order to conserve the elephant population and habitat, it will be necessary to work collaboratively with these individuals and engage their support in affecting the management changes needed, both within and outside of the Elephant Reserve. We suggest creating a forum to facilitate information flow and collaboration between influential owners of large numbers of livestock, government, and local populations. For example, a committee might be formed which includes members of all stakeholder groups to regularly discuss policy in the elephant range and / or acceptable use of the reserve in order to give all stakeholders in the region a voice in the planning / enforcement process, and ensure that all stakeholders are well informed regarding government and community expectations. It is important that this process be transparent and accountable to all parties concerned, and that multiple checks and balances be put in place in terms of monitoring, finances, and distribution of benefits.

Of note, our team was informed that PCVBG-E currently has forums for this discussion, as well as for improving livestock operations. Our contacts in the field, however, indicated that they are aware of no such exchanges having begun, to date. We find it to be of crucial importance to highlight the necessity of this dialogue. We also recommend that any such present or future endeavors be mindful of the need to address non-Malian herders in this dialogue. (Our team was informed that large numbers of livestock are driven to drink from Banzena from as far away as Niger.)

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses extensive expertise in collaborating with private and public stakeholders to promote involvement of all parties in planning, monitoring, and enforcement issues. Of particular note, USFS has worked across the globe with local communities to ensure their voices / interests be considered in forming and implementing policy. USFS can also offer expertise in patrol techniques, policies, and training.

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E. Issue: Lack of awareness about the Gourma elephants

Finding: The majority of Malians who live outside of the Gourma Region are unaware (or disbelieving) that elephants exist in their country. The issue of elephant conservation is, therefore, of no consideration to the population at large. Similarly, the Gourma elephants are not presently known at an international level, which could be an obstacle for both ecotourism development and international conservation support.

Recommendations: Educate people both nationally and internationally about the unique Gourma elephants, their co-existence with different human populations, and the necessary conservation efforts required to ensure their survival. If properly publicized, the elephants could become a symbol of national pride for Mali.

National level • Broadcast information on the Gourma elephants in national and official languages (French, Bambara, Fulfuldé, Dogon, Tamacheq , Songhoï, Soninké, etc.) • Include the issue of the Gourma elephants in some annual events like “La quinzaine de l’Environnement” organized by the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation every year from June 5 – 20, and the “Forum National sur l’Environnement” organized by the NGO Mali Folkcenter. • As has been done in Benin , open a “centre d’information écologique des elephants” in Bamako, which provides scientific and ecological information on the Gourma Elephants. Encourage both tourists and Malians to visit. • Install informational billboards for elephant conservation and ecotourism along RN 16 (Route Nationale 16) from Mopti to Gao and on the road which links Douentza to Timbuktu. • Use musicians, griots, poets, authors, and the mass media to promote awareness of and pride in the Mali elephants. A popular song (and music video) in Bambara and / or other local languages about the elephants and their environment could be an extremely effective vehicle for educating the Malian pubic and generating pride in this national treasure.

International level Documentaries made by BBC and National Geographic are excellent opportunities to provide information on the Gourma worldwide. A dynamic internet website with short clips and updated information on the Gourma elephants could compliment the information shared with the world via these documentaries.

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Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses expertise in developing interpretive media (brochures, signs, interpretive trails, exhibits.) We would strongly recommend collaborating with OMATHO on the development of any interpretive media.

F. Issue: Insufficient infrastructure to support elephant viewing tourism

Finding: Although a number of individuals and tour agencies currently try to observe elephants, we have been informed that most people are disappointed with the experience, either because they are completely unsuccessful in locating the animals, or because of the time expended in order to find the elephants. Nevertheless, we were repeatedly informed by multiple sources that visitors frequently attempt to enhance their experience in Mali by viewing one or more elephants. Some level of elephant tourism is occurring at Banzena (number unknown,) Boni (220-250 people/year,) Inadiatafane (at least 200,) Hombori / Dimamou (number unknown,) and Gossi (100). (These estimates were provided by local government representatives and local populations.) Local guides who are familiar with the elephants’ migratory path and habits are available, (though not always used,) at all locations except Banzena. Some guides are reported to aggressively pursue elephants in vehicles, but most viewing occurs on foot. Lodging infrastructure does not currently exist at Boni, Banzena, nor Inadiatafane. A campement does exist at Gossi; however, we were informed that this facility is seldom open due to political complications. Each of these sites lack appropriate tourist dining supplies / facilities.

Some male elephants are reported to remain year-round in the vicinity of Boni, Gossi, and Inadiatafane. At these sites, therefore, at least some elephant viewing is possible throughout most of the year.

Based on very limited GPS information and locally reported sightings, elephants can likely be viewed as displayed in the table below.

Site Elephant Family Groups Male Elephants Banzena February- May Unknown Inadiatafane December – March Year-round Boni July – September Year-round Gossi None Year-round Hombori October – January Unknown

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Recommendations on locations for elephant viewing: • To the extent possible, we suggest that elephant viewing opportunities be developed to take advantage of viewing platforms or locations rather than actively pursuing elephants on foot. Local guides should be used to assist in assessing the suitability of locations for the placement of viewing platforms. (There are several opportunities at the mare at Banzena, around Inadiatafane, and near Gossi.) • Use the Banzena site only for high-end tourism that uses a temporary camp. Use funds generated to support research, reserve management, and community development (in such nearby communities as Bambara-Maoude, Inadiatafane, and other smaller communities in the vicinity.) Facilities in the Banzena area could attract high-end, environmentally-minded tourists. High-end ecotourism can attract large revenues to environmentally sensitive areas, while having a very low-impact on the resource. Funding for such facilities might come from agencies that work with this clientele and prioritize collaboration with local communities to ensure local benefit; some such agencies are Everlands ( http://everlandsconservancy.com ,) Royal Africa ( www.royalafrica.co.za ,) Wilderness Safari Adventures ( www.wilderness-safaris.com ,) and possibly Lindblad Tours ( www.expeditions.com ). • If development of such a site near Banzena proves successful, pursue another high-end tourist site in the southeast corner of the elephant range to benefit community development south of RN 16. • Boni and Gossi sites should continue to develop the inexpensive tourist option through the development of guide associations, development of local camps/lodging, and restaurants. • At Inadiatafane, we suggest developing 2-3 platforms from which the elephants can be viewed, without the need to pursue them on foot. Development of local camps/lodging, and “tourist-friendly” restaurants will be needed to support elephant viewing tourism at this location too.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS has extensive recreation and interpretation experience in infrastructure development which could compliment the above recommendations, including designing and locating observation towers and visitor centers. Our team would strongly suggest USFS collaboration with OMATHO, as well as with local Peace Corps Volunteers and community leaders on these activities in order to contribute to local capacity building.

USFS also possesses expertise in concession operations and special uses management, which could be useful in negotiating and operating local campements near the Elephant Reserve, in conjunction with the DNCN, OMATHO, and local communities.

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Additionally, USFS can offer expertise in integrated landscape scale planning, operational planning, and evaluation of environmental impacts.

G. Issue: Additional tourism opportunities around elephant-viewing sites

Findings: Other activities that can often be accommodated and promoted at elephant viewing sites include camel rides, visiting local villages / settlements (and learning about Tuareg, Songhoi, and Peul cultures,) cultural activities such as music and artisan products, and archaeological site visits.

Recommendations to enhance / promote other tourist activities at elephant viewing locations: • Guide training should be expanded to include a lexicon of 50-100 most common bird species with names in local, French, and English languages. Booklets could be developed to assist in this training and to include the names of a few common tress and mammals. (An excellent model which might be used in developing such a booklet for the Gourma is “NEMA YOROW,” a guide to the birds in the inner-Niger delta, which can be obtained from Wetlands International; tel:+223-42-0242, email: [email protected] .) If deemed desirable, Peace Corps Volunteers, local guides, and other knowledgeable community members could begin developing such a lexicon immediately. • Other tourism opportunities (i.e. camel rides, archaeological site visits) must be organized. Each “base” for elephant viewing (i.e. Inadiatafane, Gossi, Boni,) should have well-organized options for tourists. An excellent example can be seen in Annex III: Gossi “l’Oasis de la région Gourma”. Though this document is still in draft form, local guides and Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie Grillon have concisely presented brief historical and cultural information about the area, tourism opportunities, and 1, 2, and 3-day tourist program options. • In addition to promoting other tourist activities at elephant viewing locations, promoting elephant viewing as part of a larger “Mali tourism experience” should be considered. This idea is expanded upon in Section “H.”

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

Beyond assisting in the design of such physical structures as observation towers and / or visitor centers, as is indicated above, USFS could also be instrumental in working with Peace Corps Volunteers and community members on such topics as guide training / interpretation, and addressing visitor expectations / crafting the visitor experience.

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USFS possesses unparalleled expertise in guide training and interpretation, including the development of interpretive media (brochures, signs, interpretive trails, exhibits.)

H. Issue: Other wildlife tourism opportunities

Findings: Bird viewing opportunities can occupy times not occupied by elephant viewing. The lakes at Banzena and Gossi provide excellent opportunities to enjoy other forms of wildlife in addition to elephants. November (part of Mali’s “high tourist season,” which stretches from Nov-Feb,) is the best time for birding because resident birds are still in breeding plumage and migrants from Europe have begun to arrive. Although Mali is not a country that will be attractive to bird watchers looking for rare species, Mali does have a rich and varied number of habitats that provide good opportunities to observe many different bird species. This opportunity can serve as an excellent compliment to other tourist activities.

Of special note in terms of areas outside the Gourma, the Interior Niger Delta is a unique birding site. Millions of European migratory waterfowl congregate in the delta and this provides an exciting bird watching opportunity. In addition, there are colonies of nesting resident waterfowl that can be accessed by canoe or other boats. This is particularly interesting, as one must pass through this region en route to the Gourma. (The Interior Niger Delta is also home to hippopotamus, manatees, monitor lizards and other reptiles, which can be an interesting tourist draw, as well.)

Recommendations: Birding should be actively promoted alongside other wildlife viewing and cultural opportunities in (and, potentially, en route to) the Gourma. The more “draws” the Gourma can claim, the more likely tourists’ interest will be sparked; the more potential income for local populations; the more national and local interest in conservation efforts to protect the unique resource that is the Gourma.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

As mentioned above, USFS can offer expertise in guide training and interpretation, including the development of interpretive media (brochures, signs, interpretive trails, exhibits.)

I. Issue: Feasibility of developing sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region

Findings: There are a number of opportunities and challenges which must be weighed in assessing the feasibility of developing sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region.

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Opportunities & Assets include: • Approximately 300,000 foreign tourists visit Mali annually. Of these, 200,000 go north from Bamako to such destinations as the Dogon Country, Djenne, and Timbuktu. There is, therefore, already a potential market of 200,000 tourists per year who are traveling in/near the Gourma. • There are 120 Malian tour agencies listed in the latest Ministry of Tourism directory. Many of these agencies could be key links in promoting and facilitating ecotourism in the Gourma region and could serve as excellent marketers of trips to the Gourma. • A market clearly exists for ecotourism in northern Mali. Interviews with tourism professionals in the private and public sectors unanimously agreed that ecotourism could be marketable and profitable. • Gossi and Boni (“Les Amis des Eléphants”) have active and passionate local conservation / ecotourism organizations that care for the welfare of elephants and are eager to host tourists and show them the elephants. • Large amounts of multinational funding (specifically, funding from the GEF, through the World Bank, and the French GEF, through the French Development Agency,) have been allocated through the framework of PCVBG-E to address the welfare of the elephants and their habitat. We were informed that funding from the World Bank is earmarked specifically for biodiversity, while French Development Agency Funds are uniquely earmarked for elephants and ecotourism. These resources could allow for tremendous progress in preserving the elephants and developing sustainable ecotourism in the region. PCVBG-E objectives include local biodiversity initiatives, conservation area management, and the promotion of ecotourism in the region. The time is ripe for synergizing efforts between the PCVBG-E project, the larger Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and the Ministry of Tourism so that resources which are currently available can be put to best use, benefiting local and national government, as well as local populations. • The Ministry of Tourism and our team have conducted several informal surveys of people living in the Gourma. The unanimous finding is that local people are in favor of tourism, provided they receive the benefits of it. These surveys also found that Malians in this region realize that “all they have is the ground” (i.e. the land, the environment, and the resources supported there upon). Local people recognize that any wealth or prosperity will come from their environment, since they do not have factories or businesses. Since the environment is all they have, they are willing and anxious to use it to improve their livelihoods. The primary benefit communities seem to be seeking currently is access to potable water. • Excellent (“advanced”) tourism training exists at the University of Bamako. Many of these students come from Timbuktu, Mopti, and other towns in the north. These students take course work in tourism marketing, the geography of tourism, English and economics, among other subjects. • OMATHO and Association Tetraktys (an NGO funded by the Alps-Rhone region of France, which is involved in rural tourism,) have provided basic

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practical guiding techniques training in the past. Tetraktys has mostly been involved in Timbuktu, but has also conducted some training in Mopti. • There are 400 OMATHO-certified guides in Mali: 160 National guides and 240 Regional guides. These guides passed the oral exams given by OMATHO in 2005 and are among the best guides that Mali has to offer. • The US Ambassador (and US Embassy) are extremely interested in / supportive of conservation efforts centered on the Gourma elephants. The World Bank and the French Development Agency are extending great support to conservation and ecotourism efforts in the Gourma. The WILD Foundation and Save the Elephants have invested important energy and expertise into scientific research and conservation measures in the Gourma. National Geographic Channel plans to feature the Gourma elephants in a world-wide documentary set to be released in 2010. The confluence of this international interest in the Gourma and the desert elephants illustrates that the time is ripe for developing sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region. The interest, support, and market exist. • Many opportunities exist in terms of marketing approaches for ecotourism in the Gourma; many opportunities exist for local communities and government to decide collaboratively in what ways they choose to be impacted by tourism.

Challenges include: • There is a lack of necessary tourism infrastructure (e.g., hotels, restaurants or other food sources, water and electricity) to attract the largest market segments of tourists. Currently, tourists coming to see the elephants are mostly back-packers, campers, or day-trippers from Douentza, Mopti or Timbuktu. As most current tourists do not stay in the Gourma, no real economic benefits reach the local populations. • There is a need for tour guide training at the local level; this would be one immediate means by which the economic benefits of tourism could begin to be felt among local populations. • Greater knowledge about local plant and animal life in the Gourma is required of local guides who wish to be viable players in ecotourism in the region. • Local peoples of the Gourma have repeatedly indicated willingness to welcome tourists, provided they see a benefit to themselves or their communities; some skepticism has been expressed by local populations regarding whether they will actually see the benefits of tourism, locally. • There is a general lack of coordination and communication between government agencies (Ministries of Environment and Tourism, for example; up to the present, “ecotourism” in Mali has not existed, as such, and so there has not been the pressing need for collaboration, which currently exists.) There is also a lack of collaboration between non-governmental organizations (such as conservation and research organizations) and government agencies. • Resources (including vehicles / motorbikes and fuel) and/or the political will are currently lacking to enforce existing laws related to conservation and tourism.

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Recommendations to promote sustainable ecotourism products in the Gourma Region: • The PCVBG-E, which has a component specifically aimed at developing and promoting ecotourism, could offer invaluable assistance in realizing many of the recommendations outlined below. Again, we strongly urge collaboration between PCVBG-E, the larger DNCN and Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, and local communities in order to begin truly implementing sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma. • Different types of facilities, ranging from modern to basic, need to be constructed to manufacture an array ecotourism experiences. This is the only way of capturing different segments of the tourism market. It is critical that infrastructure be developed in the region (including hotels and dining facilities that will cater to tourists,) so that tourists will—firstly—be attracted to the region, and—secondly—stay in the region (creating an opportunity for greater economic development by local communities.) Tourists who stay in the Gourma (as opposed to “passing through” on a day trip,) will invest resources in lodging, food, handicrafts, and other tourist “attractions,” (which may include camel rides, visits to archeological sites, a pirogue trip, or any other of a number of options.) • High-end, temporary camp facilities should be considered near Banzena to attract environmentally-minded tourists. This could serve a number of purposes including: o bring national (and even international) attention / awareness to this unique herd of elephants, the human populations that coexist with them, and their environment o generate economic resources to support the survival of the elephants and local human populations, while having a very low-impact on the natural resource through tourism • Mid-range and basic tourism facilities should be established (or, as in the case of Gossi, made available.) Such facilities should be considered for Inadiatafane, Boni, Bambara-Maounde, and Gossi. • Where electricity does not exist, solar energy should be provided; in some cases, this has already been promised by the government. • Most urgently, and concurrent with the development of facilities, the DNCN must enforce laws regarding human settlement and hunting in the Elephant Reserve; if this does not happen, the main resource drawing tourists to this region (desert elephants) will no longer exist. • Training for guides needs to be brought to the local communities in the Gourma region for those guides who cannot attend the university or other training opportunities in Bamako, Mopti or Timbuktu. • Local guides require knowledge of professional approaches and principles of guiding. • Many local guides also require language training (French would be of utmost importance, as OMATHO reports 70% of tourists to Mali are French; other languages such as English, Italian, and Spanish would help cater to other

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international tourists.) Competency in the language(s) of tourists would afford local guides and tourists a degree of independence and autonomy, and make both the tourists and guides less dependent on outsiders leading tours to this region of the country for their personal gain, (while no benefit is seen by the local population.) Local guide competency in the language(s) of tourists would also make the experience of tracking the desert elephants more appealing to for tourists. • As a resource for local guides and tourists, the “NEMA YOROW” booklet (referenced above) might serve as an example in developing a basic guidebook for tourists, which includes local, French, English names of the most common animals and plants in the Gourma. Such a booklet could also include common uses for plants found in the region, which could be a particular draw to tourists interested in ethnobotany. It should be noted that tourism focusing on medicinal and wild food plants is growing; examples can be seen in Uganda and Kenya, as well as other parts of the continent. • Marketing the “Gourma Experience” should be carefully considered, as opportunities for various marketing angles / approaches abound. In deciding the most prudent approach, local communities’ desires and carrying capacity should be considered, so as to ensure that the number of tourists attracted (or allowed) to the region does not surpass what the environment and local people are interested in / able to support.

Ecotours centered on the elephants could be a 2-3 day “add-on” trip extension for visitors to such destinations as Dogon Country or Timbuktu OR could be incorporated into a larger itinerary, highlighting both culture and nature-based tourism throughout Mali o As an example, Sekou Dissa, the official representative of Point Afrique (#1 provider of Mali tourism in France,) owner of Ethnika Mali travel agency ( http://ethnikamali.com ,) and recent winner of an award from the Ministry of Tourism, prepared the following itinerary as a possible way to incorporate both cultural and nature-based tourism into the Malian tourism experience:

Day 1 – Bamako to Terya-bugu (village along the river with captive West African animals including camels, pythons, etc. but also with some natural habitat and wild birds along the river). Mary Crickmore, representative of the African Bird Club in Mali, reported good numbers of waterbirds.

Day 2 Terya-bugu to Mopti (stay in nice hotel, see markets and river life)

Day 3 Mopti to Douentza (Good encampment with permanent tents off the ground on pads in Douentza.) or to whichever site is nearest where

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the elephants are at that season (e.g., Boni, Gossi, Inadiatafane) and where the specified level of facilities are available.

Day 4-6 day trips to find the elephants and experience local culture

Day 7 leave Douentza to Kona, then by boat (pinasse) to Lac Deko, and other areas of the delta to see birds, hippos,manatees, etc.

Day 8 Niafunke

Day 9 Timbuktu (3-4 good hotels) visit Tuaregs on the dunes north of town, visit mosques

Day 10 Timbuktu to Mopti (4x4 vehicle over land)

Day 11 Mopti to Dogon Country

Day 12 Dogon Country (Sangha or other place with facilities)

Day 13 Dogon Country to Djenne

Day 14 Djenne

Day 15 Djenne to Bamako

Another option would be for the Gourma Region, itself, (along with the trip to / from this region) to be marketed as the destination for travelers, incorporating culture and nature along the way. A trip to the Gourma might highlight a photo safari on foot (as opposed to safari by vehicle, which is the common means by which to observe wildlife in East and Southern Africa,) with the possibility of spotting desert elephants, a camel ride into the desert and interaction with the local Tuareg, Songhoi and / or Peul people, local artisan goods and music.

• A formal tourism philanthropy strategy should be developed to solicit gifts from clients toward conserving the elephants, their habitat, and compensating the communities and herdsmen that co-exist with the elephants. • The idea of Volunteer Tourism (or “voluntourism”) should be explored, whereby volunteer work (or philanthropic giving of resources) is incorporated into the tourism experience to help support and sustain natural resources and livelihoods. Studies show that “voluntourism” is growing in popularity; a recent survey by MSNBC and Condé Nast Traveler, in fact, indicated that more than half (55 percent) of the respondents expressed an interest in taking a volunteer vacation.

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• An interpretive plan for elephant viewing sites should be developed. Studies have shown that interpretation enhances experiences of tourists and provokes stewardship, philanthropy, public support, and cooperation with agency and government policies. Through strategic interpretive communications people learn more, enjoy the experience more, the beauty and personal meanings of the site are revealed, and emotional connections are made with the resource. People come to care about the resource, and therefore care for it. As Jacques Cousteau noted, “People will only protect what they love.” Through interpretation, ecotourisists and Malians alike will learn to love fragile and endangered resources such as the Gourma elephants. • The efforts of the association Les Amis des Eléphants in Boni and the guide association in Gossi should be supported by the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation (particularly the PCVBG-E and the larger DNCN,) and Ministry of Tourism. With support, the successes of these pre-established associations could serve as a model for organization in other communities interested in capitalizing on ecotourism opportunities. • As the elephant range crosses the border into Burkina Faso, The Peace Parks Foundation ( http://www.peaceparks.org/faq.php?mid=300&pid=82 ) should be contacted regarding the possibility of establishing a viable, functioning bi- national park along the border with Burkina Faso. The goal of this park would be to insure long-term protection of the elephant habitat and migration routes. Our team has been informed that some efforts to protect the elephants’ habitat are already underway in Burkina Faso; coordinating these with efforts taking place in Mali is essential in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. • A stronger linkage should be made between tourism students and faculty at the University of Bamako and OMATHO. There are talented faculty, many trained in France and other countries, and passionate students who are eager to be exceptional guides in Mali, and to contribute to the development of their country through tourism. • The Ministry of Tourism, (particularly OMATHO,) and the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, (particularly DNCN,) should coordinate efforts to adopt a formal definition of ecotourism. We recommend the definition used by The Ecotourism Society which defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” This means that not all trips out to see the elephants are true ecotourism activities. Only those that specifically improve the welfare of the elephants and local people are true ecotourism efforts. Through inner- ministerial collaboration, true ecotourism could be promoted (or even required) by the government, which would result in improved human livelihoods and conservation efforts in the Gourma. • Likewise, the Ministry of Tourism (especially OMATHO) in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation (especially DNCN) should adopt and require tour agencies to abide by the Code of Ethics of the World Tourism Organization and The Ecotourism Society. There should be periodic checks for compliance, and those firms meeting these standards should be especially

24 FINAL ENGLISH 7/1/2008 promoted by the Ministries and allowed to exclusively promote themselves as “ecotourism” tourism firms.

The World Tourism Organization’s Code of Ethics includes the following:

o The understanding and promotion of the ethical values common to humanity, with an attitude of tolerance and respect for the diversity of religious, philosophical and moral beliefs, are both the foundation and the consequence of responsible tourism; stakeholders in tourism development and tourists themselves should observe the social and cultural traditions and practices of all peoples, including those of minorities and indigenous peoples and recognize their worth. o Tourism activities should be conducted in harmony with the attributes and traditions of the host countries and in respect for their laws, practices and customs. o Tourism activity should be planned in such a way as to allow traditional cultural products, crafts and folklore to survive and flourish, rather than to degenerate and become standardized.

Standards from The Ecotourism Society which might be considered by the Malian Ministries of Environment and Tourism state that ecotourism should:

o Minimize impact to local environment o Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect o Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts o Provide direct financial benefits for conservation o Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people o Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

Let us take the example of Banzena to illustrate ways in which these standards from The Ecotourism Society might be implemented. o Minimize impact to local environment Any lodging for tourists at Banzena should be of a temporary nature, so as not to bring permanent presence / impact to the environment surrounding this critical mare. Construction / erection of temporary structures should take place during times when elephant family groups are not present. All tourist facilities should be located (a minimum of) 5 km from the mare, in accordance with government regulations. Tourists should be required to view the elephants only in the company of a trained guide, and to follow regulations as instructed by the guide so as not to disturb the elephants and not to endanger themselves. It is recommended that a “high-end” tourist experience be promoted at Banzena, in order to help limit (by cost)

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the number of tourists who visit this important water source; fewer tourists (who are able to pay higher dollar) can support a more exclusive experience, which might have added costs such as a “conservation tax,” solar energy for the temporary lodging space, and other environmental considerations. o Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect Educate tourists (as well as local populations) about the Gourma Region, the desert elephants found here, local human populations and cultures, and the unique history of co-existence in this region between humans and elephants. o Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts Educate tourists (and local populations) about local cultures (and tourist expectations) so that a respectful exchange can take place. Create opportunities for local populations to benefit from tourists’ presence (through job creation and other income generating activities such as selling artisinal goods.) Educate those who gain employment via lodging / food preparation as to the hygiene and comforts expectations of foreign guests. o Provide direct financial benefits for conservation A “conservation tax” might be built in to the cost of an entrance fee onto the Elephant Reserve and / or stay at the temporary lodging space near Banzena. o Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people In addition to creating new jobs for local people, ensure that local communities are implicated in such important activities as setting and monitoring numbers of tourists allowed to view the elephants, patrolling the elephants, etc. It should also be highlighted that communities can be empowered via resources generated through tourism which can be used by local communities for development; common concerns voiced by communities include access to potable water, electricity, a varied diet (with access to adequate vitamins and protein,) and combating deforestation. Additionally of note is the fact that communities can be empowered through education about and access to resources from which they might benefit; an example of this is Engineers Without Borders (http://www.ewb-usa.org/ ,) a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life through projects that focus on such things as renewable energy and clean water. o Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate. Educate tourists and local communities regarding important political, environmental, and social issues impacting the Gourma (and Mali, as a whole.) In the Gourma, some of these issues might include the drying climate, desertification, and increased demographic and livestock pressure on the resources that sustain the elephants.

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Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses expertise in the following areas, which can be beneficial to implementing these recommendations: • Professional approaches and principles of guiding • Interpretive guide training; both at local level, and for national and regional guides • Assistance in developing a bird guide book and / or animal and plant guide books. (We would strongly recommend partnering with Peace Corps Volunteers and local community leaders / guides on this activity.) • Capacity building with the DNCN in terms of law enforcement and patrolling. • Development of interpretive media (brochures, signs, interpretive trails, exhibits.) • Assistance in developing an interpretive plan

J. Issue: Carrying Capacity of the Elephant Reserve

Findings: At this point, it is impossible to calculate the exact carrying capacity of the Elephant Reserve, as the exact area and boundaries of the Reserve are unclear. The difficulty in calculating carrying capacity is compounded by the fact that the elephants’ migratory range extends beyond the “rough” boundaries of the Reserve. This task is made further difficult by the lack of information that exists in terms of the number of head of livestock competing for the same resources critical to the elephants’ survival.

Nevertheless, it is extremely important that the carrying capacity of the land and environment not be exceeded. With this in mind, a rough calculation (per the following) might be employed at this time to estimate the number of tourists that might be accommodated at certain key elephant-viewing sites, until more concrete information is obtained in terms of the area of land, the level of competition (from increased demographic and livestock pressure,) and the level of tourism communities are willing / able to support. We know that approximately 200,000 tourists visit this area of Mali each year, at present; if the “Gourma Experience” is well marketed, carrying capacity could quickly be reached (or even surpassed,) unless adequate measures / regulations are employed to prevent this.

In-country contacts have indicated that male elephants, (not family groups,) can be seen in / near these 3 sites during most (or all) of the year: Inadiatafane, Boni, and Gossi. If we assume that each site can have both a morning and an evening guided visit, there is a maximum total of 6 visits per day among the 3 sites. (Given the low number of male elephants at each location, it will likely not be advisable to have multiple groups visiting the elephants at the same time.) If we

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assume that the average group size is 2.5 people, then there is a maximum total of 15 people that could be accommodated each day at these 3 sites (6 visits * group of 2.5 people = 15 people per day.) Assuming visitation rate remains constant throughout the year, this would equal a total of 5,475 tourists per year divided among these three sites (15 people per day * 365 days/year). It will be important for the communities of Inadiatafane, Boni, and Gossi to either acknowledge their acceptance of such levels of tourism, or to work with governmental partners to set acceptable tourist limits.

Using this methodology, it is possible to make calculations for viewing male elephants in other locations, as well as for viewing family groups of elephants (which is seasonal, and—therefore—viewing opportunities more limited.) Similar calculations might be made for Hombori, for example, which has male elephants in its vicinity for much of the year, (and offers other unique tourism opportunities including mountain climbing.)

The estimated number of tourists used above per visit (2.5 people / group) is subjective, and should be adjusted as appropriate with input from local populations and guides. Calculations should also account for the lower numbers of tourists during the dry / hot season.

Recommendations: Social and ecological carrying capacity related to tourism is extremely important in proper reserve management. In order to accurately calculate the carrying capacity for tourism purposes, it is essential that the exact area and boundaries of the Reserve (and entire elephant range) be known. It is equally critical that a study be conducted in order to determine the exact carrying capacity of the designated land area in terms of sustainable livestock grazing and human usage. Finally, in setting acceptable levels of tourism, it is of utmost importance that communities be integrated into decision-making processes, and that their desires (and ability) to support tourists be weighed appropriately. It would be prudent for the PCVBG-E to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA,) the results of which would be invaluable in setting proper limitations in terms of land use (by resident and nomadic herders) and tourists. Once the rate of sustainable use is established, The Ministry of Environment and Sanitation must actively enforce environmental laws/regulations to these ends in the elephants’ migratory range if these animals are to survive.

Opportunities for USFS Technical Support:

USFS possesses expertise in the following areas, which can be beneficial to implementing these recommendations: • Grassland ecosystem / rangeland land use planning and management • carrying capacity • patrolling / law enforcement

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VIII. Additional Information

Economic Impacts

The US National Park Service developed an economic model to predict economic impact of national parks. This model is called the Money Generation Model 2. Information about this model and other interesting studies that could be replicated in Mali (or “tweaked” to accommodate the factors specific to Mali / Gourma Region) can be found at: www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/products.cfm

As an illustration of what could be done in Mali, we can take Joshua Tree National Park as an example; this is a fairly remote desert location in the U.S, where the following economic impacts were calculated: The average visitor group spent $162 in the local area. Visitors reported expenditures of their group inside the park and in the surrounding communities. On a party trip basis, average spending in 2004 was $54 for non-local day trips, $351 for visitors in motels, $200 for campers and $136 for other overnight visitors. On a per night basis, visitors staying in motels spent $216 in the local region compared to $86 for campers. The average per night lodging cost was $104 per night for visitors in motels and $11 for campers. Total visitor spending in 2004 within 50 miles of the park was $36 million including $4.8 million inside the park. Twenty-three percent of the total spending was for lodging, 18% restaurant meals and bar expenses, and 15% gas and oil. Overnight visitors staying in motels accounted for 43% of the spending, campers 22% and non-local day trips 21%.

Seasonality

It could make “economic sense” to have some facilities that are only open seasonally. This model worked well in Cote d’Ivoire at Comoe National Park near the border to Mali. During the rainy season, the roads were nearly impassable and the vegetation so lush that wildlife viewing was difficult. The owners of this modern facility (cabins, dining hall, swimming pool) only opened it during the dry season when accessibility and viewing were most favorable, and when the temperatures were cooler. In the Gourma, this may mean only being open during the peak tourist season and/or when elephants are nearby. This option should be considered carefully; it is important to note that a regular, predictable and advertised schedule must be established and maintained so that trip organizers can plan accordingly.

Pricing Policies

Reserve Managers should establish an entrance fee to enter into key areas of the Gourma and specifically the Elephant Reserve. This fee should be set after consulting with colleagues in neighboring countries to gain information about fee schedules for similar parks and reserves, such as Pendiari National Park in Benin or Kakum National Park in

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Ghana. It would be prudent for OMATHO, in consultation with DNCN, to study fee structures at national parks / reserves in neighboring countries in setting reasonable fees for visitors to the Gourma. It is common to have different entrance fees for international travelers (more expensive) and host-country visitors (less expensive), in order to facilitate and encourage local interest (and pride) in the natural resources of host country nationals.

The very act of charging entrance fees has proven invaluable across the globe in instilling a sense of value in the resource, a sense of respect for the resource in the people who manage and visit it, and generating important revenues to help manage and protect the resource. A proper fee (and / or tax) system instituted in the Gourma / Elephant Reserve would be an important means by which revenue can be generated to benefit local, regional, and national government as well as local communities / village associations. Again, we strongly suggest forming committees comprised of all stakeholders to help monitor and manage this system and revenues generated. Transparency in this process is crucial to the success of implementing a fee / tax system. If the system is not transparent, it will collapse in on itself, as there will not be support and “buy-in” from the human populations living among the elephants; these are the people who have the most to either lose or gain, depending upon the approach taken in developing ecotourism in this region; these are the people who are in the best position to work with the government collaboratively in terms of monitoring, tracking, and reporting illegal activities, and their input and participation should be highly valued.

Pricing policies for use of facilities, food, and lodging should be done as part of a professional business plan and will depend on operational and fixed costs and profit objectives. Consultation with professional tourism firms in Mali also could inform these decisions.

Other resources Of note, Dillon Smith, Fulbright Scholar and graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, is currently researching Economic Impacts of Tourism in Timbuktu and Dogon Country. Mr. Smith can be a valuable resource on this topic, as many of his findings could be applicable in the Gourma Region: [email protected]

IX. CONCLUSION

We strongly believe sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma Region to be a viable vector for conservation and improved livelihoods of local populations. The successful implementation of ecotourism in the Gourma Region will be dependent upon inner- ministerial collaboration (especially between the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Ministry of Tourism, as well as—possibly—the Ministry of Culture) and transparent partnerships with other actors in the region.

Again, the following bullets are important “take-away points” from the mission, which the team deems crucial to the advancement of sustainable ecotourism in the Gourma

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Region. In order for sustainable ecotourism to be achieved, the team believes these following points must be held as common priorities across institutions in Mali working to attract ecotourists and to conserve biodiversity in the country. The team encourages the Ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Culture to employee these concepts frequently and to share them with the public:

• The elephant reserve, including Banzena, is not currently managed. Human settlement in the elephant reserve threatens elephant access to water (and, ultimately, survival.) • During the last 2 months of the dry season (April and May,) all elephants except for adult males are completely dependent on access to the mare (large pond) at Banzena for survival. • The migration of elephant family groups over an enormous area results in no single location being able to consistently provide elephant viewing opportunities. Tourism that includes viewing elephant family groups would need to take advantage of several sites along the migration route. • There is a need for infrastructure development at prime potential elephant viewing points (including Boni, Banzena, and Inadiatafane). • An effort should be made by communities to diversify the ecotourism experience beyond simply elephant viewing: i.e. camel rides, cultural events, bird watching, and archaeological sites. • A number of tourism options are possible, ranging from low to mid to high-end experiences. • Regulations must be enforced (and, possibly, additional regulations should be established) in the Elephant Reserve. (i.e. settlement ban within 5 km of the mare at Banzena must be enforced.) • Collaboration between DNCN and researchers in the region is crucial. • As there is no formalized ecotourism law in Mali, it would be prudent to form an inner-ministerial committee with representatives from Ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Culture in order to facilitate communication and collaboration between government agencies and to agree upon an ecotourism approach, regulations, and enforcement. • PCVBG-E should work with local communities to identify the most pressing development needs (water systems, etc.). • PCVBG-E should include current and future information on key elephant use areas in negotiating and establishing Conservation Areas and Conservation Zones. • Determine / establish boundaries of Reserve and support enforcement of ecologically sound management of resource; it would be prudent to develop and implement a comprehensive management plan. • Government of Mali should focus on the Gourma Region as a priority area in terms of land and resource management. • Guide Training efforts should be enhanced and coordinated among the various training entities, (including strengthening ties between OMATHO and the Tourism program at the University of Bamako.) • An Interpretation Plan should be established to coordinate strategic communications with visitors.

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• Communication between local / regional / national government and knowledgeable community members (local guides, herders, trackers, etc.) should be encouraged. Eventually, a committee(s) should be formed to facilitate communication between government (DNCN / OMATHO) and community organizations (Les Amis Des Elephants, local guides, etc.) Communities must have a voice in managing the land, and be able to help monitor economic resources that ecotourism activities generate; communities can be a powerful resource in managing and monitoring the Reserve, provided they see the benefits reaped by their efforts. • It is essential that proprietors of large animal herds in Gourma (many of whom live in Mopti or Bamako) be identified and brought into the discussion with other stakeholders in the region (communities, local leaders, OMATHO, DNCN.) • Awareness of and education about the Gourma and its elephants must be communicated at local, national, and global levels.

It is interesting to note that our U.S. National Parks were first established not to protect nature but for tourism purposes. Railroads and steamship companies built the very first facilities in what became our national parks, and the military was the first to patrol them. According to historian Alfred Runte, tourism is what kept the national park idea alive for many decades and it has only been in the last 45 years or so (since about 1963) that ecological preservation has been the primary function of national parks. This gives us hope that tourism can play a similar role in the development and future support of Mali’s parks and reserves.

Likewise, it is interesting to note that the fundamental issues of resource allocation are identical to those in the U.S. We have struggled to balance livestock grazing, timber cutting, water conservation and wildlife habitat on rangelands in the US, just as Mali is faced with these same issues in the Gourma region. USFS experience in addressing these issues both in the US, and in collaboration with partners in over 20 African countries and other places around the world, provides USFS with important expertise and insight in addressing many of the challenges facing the Gourma today. At the request of the Government of Mali, USFS looks forward to working in tandem with the Ministries of Environment and Tourism to enhance conservation and biodiversity efforts in the Gourma, as well as promote ecotourism as a means by which local livelihoods can be improved, and revenues generated (through Reserve entrance fees and / or appropriate taxes) for local, regional, and national government.

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Bibliography

- Susan Canney ; Keith Lindsey , Emmanuel Hema ; Iain Douglas-Hamilton and Vance Martin (2007) : « Initiative pour les éléphants du Mali : une synthèse des connaissances et des recherches ; des recommandations relatives aux connaissances et des recherches au niveau de population, à la surface de l’habitat et aux menaces qui pèsent les éléphants du Gourma » - Project report.(The Wild Foundation – Save the Elephants – The Environment & Development Group - DNCN).

- AGEFORE (2001) : « Monographie de la Diversité Biologique du Gourma-Mali » (Survey report)

- Nomba GANAME (1999) : « Conservation et Valorisation Ecotouristique des Eléphants » (AFVP Survey report)

- Seline BARDIN (2001) « Projet de Conservation et Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma » – Volet Ecotourisme

- Salif KANOUTE et Adama SIDIBE (2003) : « Projet d’Aménagement et d’Exploitation Touristique de la Réserve des Eléphants du Gourma ».

- Mohamed Ag MAHMOUD (2000) : « Etat de la Flore et de la Faune du Gourma ». (Atelier de planification du PCVBG-E)

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Annex 1: Mission Itinerary and Key Contacts

BAMAKO

03 May 30, 2008: Mali Elephant Project Mike Deutsch

16 May 30, 2008: PCVBG-E Biramou SISSOKO – Director Email: [email protected] Geoffrey Hunt – US Department of State Regional Environmental Officer Email: [email protected] Tel. +233(21) 741 000 Tel. +233(21) 741 692

DNCN 15 May 30, 2008: Alassane Boncana MAIGA – Director

20 May 30, 2008: Baikoro FOFANA - Vice Director DNCN [email protected] Mamadou KANE – DNCN Chief of Fauna Conservation Division Cell: + 223-602-1624

TAM VOYAGES Amadou MAIGA President Association Nationale des guides touristiques du Mali. Tel : + 223-221-9210 / 221-5693 / 221-9117 Cell : + 223-671-3724 Email : [email protected]

AMCFE Moriba NOMOKO – President tel : + 223-223-5179 email : [email protected]

OMATHO Moussa DIALLO – Vice Director OMATHO Tel : + 223-222-56-73 Cell: + 223-643-5306 Email : [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

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Mamary DIARRA – Administrateur du Tourisme OMATHO Tel : + 223-222-56-73 Cell : + 223-616-9380 Email : [email protected], [email protected]

Abdoulaye Malick TRAORE Consultant PCVBG-E Tel : + 223-220-4024 Cell : 649-6298 Email : [email protected]

21 May 30, 2008:

Mari CRICKONE – Bird Club

PCVBG-E Mr TOURE –Financial Administrator Mr SANOGO –Monitoring Agent

IUCN Daouda TRAORE – Programme Officer Tel: + 223-222-7572 Cell: + 223-603-1977 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

OPNBB Bourama NIAGATE – Director

29 May 30, 2008: USAID MALI Jean Herman – Office Chief, Economist. Accelerated Economic Growth Tell: + 223-270-2741, 270-2300 Email: [email protected] Mamadou Augustain DEMBELE – Project Management Specialist. Environment Monitoring and Evaluation. Accelerated Economic Growth Team. Tel: + 223-270-2713 Cell: 674-5397, 631-8897 Email: [email protected] Halima OUATTARA-AYANOU- Market and Trade Program Manager. Accelerated Economic Growth Team. Tel: + 223- 270-2715 Cell: 619-9165 Email: [email protected] US Embassy Bamako Adair Hamilton Email: [email protected] Oumar Konipo, Economic/Commercial Specialist

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Tel: + 223-270-2443 Cell: 675-1896 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Stephanie Syptak, Public Affairs Officer Email : [email protected]

May 30, 2008: DNACPN (Direction Nationale de l’Assainissement et du Controle de Pollutions de des Nuisances) Felix DAKOUO – Director Tel: + 223-229-2410, 229-5090 Cell: + 223-672-5447 Email: [email protected]

MOPTI May 23 – 30, 2008

DRCN Mamadou Adama DIARRA – Director Tel: + 223-2-421-205, + 223-2-420-146 Cell: + 223-612-2894, 688-0156 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Fousseni DIABATE – Chief of Fauna Conservation

OMATHO Moctar BA - Regional Delegate Tel: + 223-2-430-506 Cell: + 223-638-65-40 Email: [email protected]

WALIA NGO Alassane BALLO – President Cell: + 223-636-8715, 669-7910 Email: [email protected] Sidiki KONE – Program Officer Cell: + 223-601-5183, 554-2964, 904-2263 Email: [email protected]

Gouverneur Abdoulalye Mamadou Diarra Tel: + 223-243-0355 Cell : + 223-605-1921

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May 28 - 30, 2008 Wetlands International Mali Bakary KONE – Coordinator

May 24 - 30, 2008 BONI Oumar Aliou DICKO – 1rst Vice Mayor Abdramane DRAME – Nature Conservation Service Amadou BOUREIMA – Association Amis des Elephants Alou TAMBOURA– Association Amis des Elephants Samba OUSMANE– Association Amis des Elephants Alaye DICKO– Association Amis des Elephants Oumar DICKO– Association Amis des Elephants Bona Guimbayara – Communal Advisor Aldiouma TAMBOURA – OGAC Amadoue ISSA– OGAC Sagarana TAMBOURA– OGAC Amadou GRIMARI – Chef de village Grimari Boura Yeroun– OGAC Moussa AMADOU– Association Amis des Elephants Ousmane CISSE– Association Amis des Elephants Derek BETTS – Peace Corps Volunteer Cell: + 223-408-0049 Email: [email protected] Ramata CISSE – Women Association Fatoumata Dicko – Women Association Dico MALIKI – OGAC

DOUENTZA CMO Yili THOMAS - Coordinator Nomba GANAME- Developpement Local/ Naturel Ressources management Expert Amadou Dicko - Capacities Building Expert Benoit DONOBA – Protected Areas and Fauna Expert

May 25 - 30, 2008 INADIATAFANE Adjudant Chef Oumeyda AGLI – Sous Prefet Ibrahima AG DERA – Mayor Mohamed Hold Ag Eglas – Vice Mayor Houmcidi Ould MINI – Communal advisor Aboubacrine DICKO – Regisseur Chita Ag Elmoctar – Pisteur

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BANZENA Mike Deutsch – Mali Elephant Project (MEP) and Save the Elephants (STE) Sat: + 882-16-4333-4595 (Thuraya) Cell: + 1 917-399-8823 (USA) Email: [email protected] Elmedi Doumbia – Nature Conservation Service John– National Geographic Bob – National Geographic

May 26 - 30, 2008 BAMBARA MAOUDE Mamadou DAOU – Sous Préfet Mandiou HAMMA – Mayor Mahamane A. CISSE – Nature Conservation Service Ali Ag ABIDINE Mamane Ag Almouda - Vice Mayor Amadou BOCOUM – Nature Conservation Service Agassoumana MAIGA – Communal Advisor

May 27 - 30, 2008 HOMBORI Boikary TRAORE – Sous Préfet Amadou Maliki GARIKO – Mayor Almoustapha MAIGA First Vice Mayor Hamidou GARIKO – Second vice Mayor Ibrahim MAIGA – Communal Advisor Bakary MAIGA– Communal Advisor Mody HAMADOUN Attiane AG BADI – Animateur Biodiversite Harouna BATHILY– Communal Advisor Abdoulaye dit Modibo SABE - Nature Conservation Service Zakaria MAIGA Hamidou TOURE– Communal Advisor Yaya MAIGA– Communal Advisor Mme Bah Nene SAMASSEKOU – Sous Prefet Secretary Ousmane MEICOUBA– Communal Advisor Abdrahamane MAIGA – Guide Ibrahim ould DAH – Guide Ibrahim ould Albachir– Guide Ibrahim A. DICKO – Businessman

GOSSI Moussa Ag El MONSER – Mayor Awed CISSE – Guide Ibrahim MAIGA – Conseiller Biodiversite PCVBG-E

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Abiky Dicko – Chief Nature Conservation Service Sory Ibreme FOFANA - Nature Conservation Service Jared ALDEN – Peace Corps Volunteer Email: [email protected] Elizabeth ALDEN – Peace Corps Volunteer Natalie GRILLON – Peace Corps Volunteer Cell: + 223-330-8571 Email: [email protected]

June 3, 2008 US Embassy Bamako Terrence P. McCulley – Ambassador of United States of America in Mali Email: [email protected] Tel.: +223 270 25 01

Stephanie Syptak, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy Email: [email protected] Tel.: +223 270 24 21

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Annex II: Scope of Work

US Forest Service Office of International Programs Sustainable Ecotourism Gourma Region, Mali

Scope of Work

I. Background

The US Forest Service (USFS) has over a century of natural resource management experience working in over 77 million hectares of National Forests and Grasslands. The Agency is charged with providing multiple social and environmental benefits to the public including recreation, wildlife and biodiversity protection, watershed conservation and forest products. Given this mandate, USFS has within its ranks specialized expertise in areas such as integrated resources management, protected areas management, tourism, silviculture, agroforestry, anthropology, disaster preparedness and mitigation, hydrology and soils, migratory birds, and other wildlife management.

Of the multiple uses of USFS lands, recreation by far makes the largest contribution to US gross domestic product. Increasingly, the Forest Service works with private landowners, counties, municipalities, other Federal agencies, states and the tourism industry to promote sustainable natural resource based tourism, and to work with communities to facilitate their participation. The USFS has a significant track record in establishing long-term partnerships. Increasingly, the Forest Service is being asked to provide technical assistance all over the world on sustainable management of parks and other protected areas. Forest Service experts offer a wide range of technical capacity across the entire recreation spectrum, from design and implementation of activities in wilderness areas to management of urban forests. Similar to our work domestically, the international activities of the Forest Service seek to balance social and economic needs of communities with protection of natural resources.

The USFS has worked directly with Mali’s Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature (DNCN,) providing technical support in the area of natural resources management planning. As a government agency, the USFS is in the unique position to offer government-to-government assistance to the Government of Mali at the national and local levels for development of institutional and regulatory frameworks. Such collaboration can help inform policy to ensure environmental as well as economic and social sustainability in these natural resource based enterprises. The USFS can also work with the Government of Mali and local partners to link cultural tourism with an ecological aspect to sustainable agriculture and small enterprise development.

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II. Objective

The objective of this USFS technical assistance mission is to conduct an ecotourism assessment in the Gourma Region. The mission is scheduled for late May 2008.

The outputs of this mission are intended to be information on the carrying capacity of the area and an assessment of the market. That is to say, this mission is meant to answer the following questions: ƒ Is it feasible to attract tourists to this area? ƒ How many visitors can the environment healthily sustain? ƒ Is there an adequate market to justify investing in an ecotourism project here? If so, what is of interest to tourists that would come to this area?--as the elephants migrate, it may need to be a more experiential excursion where things like birding and local culture are highlighted.

The goal is to glean information about how feasible an ecotourism project in this region might be. A major potential “draw” is the elephants, but the proposed experience will likely focus on more than the elephants, alone. The government of Mali is interested in expanding tourism / income-generating opportunities. The goal of this mission is to assess whether the Gourma Region is a viable target area for this sort of activity.

Our team will make it a priority to collaborate with other stakeholders in the region, including local community members and research and advocacy organizations in order to avoid overlap in activities, and ensure that any activities embarked upon are complimentary to other work. This includes collaboration with: ƒ DNCN (Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature) ƒ PCVBG-E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversite du Gourma et des Elephants) ƒ The Mali Elephant Project (MEP,) a consortium between Save the Elephants (STE,) The WILD Foundation, and the DNCN ƒ The communities of Boni (which has formed an association called “Les Amis des Elephants”) and Gossi (which has formed a tourism committee,) through collaboration with local organizations and Peace Corps Volunteers (specifically Derek Betts in Boni and Natalie Grillon & Jared Alden in Gossi)

We hope this activity will serve as a catalyst for dialogue among the various actors in this region. Ultimately, USFS hopes to contribute toward building capacity in natural resource conservation and improved rural livelihoods in the Gourma Region.

Deliverables: ƒ Provide information on the carrying capacity of the area ƒ Provide an assessment of the market for ecotourism activities in the region ƒ Catalyze communication and information-exchange between stakeholders in the region

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ƒ Produce a trip report to be shared with DNCN and other partners outlining findings and recommendations. This report should include ideas for a marketable tourism product, and information to substantiate whether or not the resource (the land, the elephants, and the people) can handle the incursion tourism would bring. The report will be delivered after the completion of the mission.

Team: ƒ Ted Cable, Kansas State University Professor and Fulbright Scholar, recreation, planning, & interpretation expert [email protected] or [email protected] tel: 785-532-1408 ƒ Lauren Chitty, USFS Africa Program Specialist [email protected] tel: 202-273-4728 ƒ Donald Gay, USFS wildlife biologist [email protected] tel: 360-856-5700 x236 ƒ Mamadou Mariko, AMCFE (Malian Association for the Conservation of Fauna and the Environment,) tourism and development expert [email protected] tel: +223 642 02 17 (**NB** all email correspondence with Mr. Mamadou Mariko must have “A l'attention de Mr. Mamadou Mariko” in the subject line) ƒ Biramou Sissoko, PCVBG-E, Chef de Projet des Elephants du Gourma [email protected] tel: +223 631-08-63

Timing: May 21 – 30, 2008

Location: Bamako and field locations in the Gourma Region. Exact field locations to be decided, based upon input from DNCN. Likely Gossi, Banzena, and Inadiatafane.

Partners: Partners might include ƒ DNCN (Direction Nationale de la Conservation de la Nature) ƒ PCVBG-E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants) ƒ The Mali Elephant Project (MEP,) a consortium between Save the Elephants (STE,) The WILD Foundation, and the DNCN ƒ The community of Boni (which has formed an association called “Les Amis des Elephants”) ƒ The community of Gossi (which has formed a tourism committee) ƒ Local government ƒ Peace Corps ƒ others to be identified

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Pre-departure: Prior to the mission, the team members outlined above will communicate via telephone and email with each other and with the DNCN in order to refine specific technical assistance and training priorities, and discuss intricacies of the schedule.

Logistical Support:

USFS will cover the salaries, international air travel, and per diem of the USFS technical experts. USFS will also cover per diem and a stipend for the Sustainable Ecotourism Development Expert and the Recreation, Planning, and Interpretation Expert.

We request DNCN provide a vehicle and driver for the duration of this mission, and that DNCN advise and assist in arranging any necessary meetings with local government representatives, and other important stakeholders in the Gourma. DNCN / PCVBG-E are also kindly requested to provide oral translation (local languages – French) when necessary, in communicating with local stakeholders. Finally, DNCN / PCVBG-E are requested to assist in arranging a program for visiting appropriate sites in the Gourma, and to inform the team in advance regarding lodging accommodations in-country.

Other Information:

The Gourma is a reserve area that spreads over two cercles in the Mopti region and part of Tomboctou. In Mopti, the Gourma zone includes parts of the cercles of Bandiagara and Douentza. It is a circular zone, that encompasses various villages such as Boni and Gossi. From the city of Douentza, the Gourma reserve is approximately 30km north. There is only public transport to that general area along the guidron (main paved Bamako-Gao road,) but where the elephants and wildlife are actually located, the only transport available is rental of private 4x4s.

The elephants migrate in a circular pattern that includes (mostly) Mali, and some of northern Burkina Faso.

PCVBG-E (Projet de Conservation et de Valorisation de la Biodiversité du Gourma et des Eléphants). Within the framework of the PCVBG-E, the GEF (through the World Bank) and the French GEF (through the French Development Agency) provides incremental financing with the combined 6-year Global Objective and development objective that biodiversity degradation trends are stopped and, in some cases, reversed in key conservation areas and project sites in the Gourma. The project targets the GEF Operational Program 1 (arid and semi-arid ecosystems.) In essence, the project is helping Communes and communities better manage biodiversity. The 18 Communes in this area will jointly think about their territorial space and their resources, as well as options for regulations, planning and organization. From this process, and from a consolidation and homogenization of existing communal development plans, the 18 Communes will produce and adopt a “scheme of territorial coherence.” This scheme will help define

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better the two main modes of investments proposed by the projects: local biodiversity initiatives and conservation area management.

MEP (Mali Elephant Project) is a consortium between (primarily) STE (Save the Elephants Foundation; a research foundation based in Samburu, Kenya,) The WILD Foundation, and the DNCN. MEP has been working in the Gourma, with the assistance of the US Embassy in Bamako, since 2002. STE focuses primarily on elephant tracking and research, while The WILD Foundation focuses on social outreach and education.

IBA’s (Important Bird Areas) There are 17 IBA’s and one secondary Endemic Bird Area (EBA) designated by BirdLife International in Mali. Of note, the Bandiagara Cliffs (Dogon Country) are a hotspot for birding.

Additional contact information:

DNCN : Tidiani Coulibaly, DNCN [email protected] +223 642-49-08 Mamadou Kané, DNCN [email protected] + 223 602-16-24

Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV): Jared Alden, PCV Gossi [email protected] Derek Betts, PCV Boni [email protected] +223 408-00-49 Natalie Grillon, PCV Gossi [email protected] +223 330-85-71

Kristine Hoffer, Peace Corps Natural Resources Management APCD, Bamako [email protected] +223 221-44-79 + 223 221-35-53 cell : + 223 675-99-23

STE Mike Deutsch [email protected] cell : 459 7910 (in Mali; temporary)

Potential tourism links: Thiemoko Dembele, Directeur, Bambara Africa Tours www.bambara.com Also the President of the Malian Association of Tour Companies [email protected] + 223 229-2373

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Almany Ibrahima Koreissi, Secretaire General Ministere de L’Artisanat et du Tourisme [email protected] + 223 229-64-50

Professor M. Lahbib, University of Bamako natural resources management / environmental sciences UNESCO environment project [email protected]

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Annex III : Gossi “l’Oasis de la région Gourma”

Un village d’une population de 8,000 à cote d’une grande mare de 37 km de longueur, Gossi est une communauté diverse en ethnicité, culture et biodiversité qui peut offrir beaucoup des activités et tours pour un touriste.

Histoire Gossi devient une ville après les grandes sécheresses des annees 1970’s et 1980’s quand les groupes nomadiques commencent à déménager aux sources de l’eau plus permanentes. Aujourd’hui la population de la ville est très diverse en ethnicité et style de vie. Plusieurs des familles gardent le style de vie pastorale même en ville.

Site de richesse de biodiversité La permanence de la mare pendant toute l’année attire les éléphants de Gourma de Novembre jusqu’au Mars et beaucoup des oiseaux habite a la mare et autres arrête pendant leurs migrations. Ses éléphants sont les plus grandes d’Afrique et donc le monde mais menace par le partage de vie avec humains et par la destruction de leur habitat, les projets de conservation travaillent à arrêter leur disparition.

Les traditions culturelles Gossi est un mélange des ethnicités du nord de Mali. La majorité des habitants sont Tuaregs mais les Songhaïs, Arabes, Peuhles, et Bozo sont représentes aussi. Les artisans de Gossi créent les pièces significatives au leur culture comme les selles, les sabres et les couteux mais aussi les choses plus contemporaines comme les bijoux, les sacoches et les boites des bijoux. Au tour de village et de la mare, les nomades Tuaregs habitent en brosse dans leurs tentes et leurs « bugus », avec leurs animaux comme les vaches, les ânes, les chèvres et les chameaux. Les jours de marche, le dimanche et le lundi, tous les groupes et familles en brosse quittent leur villages et arrivent en ville sur les chameaux et les ans et on peut voir la richesse de la culture de la région.

Activités et Tours de Gossi

• Tour des Eléphants (activité pour toute la famille) Gossi est la base des tribu des éléphants nomadiques du Mali de la Région de la Gourma. Ses éléphants sont le plus grands d’Afrique. La mare permanente de Gossi offres toujours les éléphants les qualités nécessaires de vivre comme l’eau et nourriture. Les éléphants restent à Gossi de Novembre au Mars.

• Tour de la Mare et ses oiseaux La mare de Gossi fait un partie de route de migration pour un grande variété des oiseaux africains. Plusieurs fait Gossi leur maison pendant toute l’année. La mare mesure 37km au longueur et offre les belles vues des animaux comme chameaux et vaches, des arbres, des plantes aquatiques et de la vie pastorale de la communauté locale.

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• Promenade des Chameaux (activité pour toute la famille) Un expérience chaque personne doit essayer. Apres, par chance on va acheter le notre propre.

• Visite de Site Archéologique Aux années justes avant le période du colonialisme, Gossi était le site des grande batailles entre les Maliens et les françaises pendant le conquête européenne de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Le cimetière de ces batailles restent toujours en dehors de ville ou est situe les tombes d’un ancien roi de Gossi et les soldats françaises.

• Visite de la colline des écritures Situe 55km en dehors de Gossi, les écritures anciens touregs ont grave sur une grande colline, la préservation d’une forme ancien d’écriture.

• La nuit nomadique (une activité pour toute la famille) Passant la nuit en brosse avec une famille toureg est un expérience mémorable. Vous allez manger un repas traditionnel, faire du the malienne et dormir sous le ciel des étoiles.

• Activité de Conservation

• Artisanat Visite l’artisanat de Gossi pour les achats culturels comme les sabres, les selles et les bijoux.

Les Programmes Touristiques de Gossi

1 Jour ƒ Arrivé Après-midi, tour des éléphants suivi par voyage des chameaux ƒ Diner et la nuit nomadique ƒ Repartir au matin

2 Jours ƒ Arrivé a Gossi dans l’après-midi ƒ Tour des éléphants ƒ Diner et nuit à l’encampement ƒ Tour de mare avec le « picnic » déjeuner, rentre a Gossi et repose ƒ Voyage des chameaux avant le diner ƒ Diner et la nuit nomadique ƒ Repartir au matin

3 Jours ƒ Arrivé a Gossi dans l’après-midi ƒ Tour des éléphants (par 4x4)

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ƒ Diner et nuit à l’encampement ƒ Petit déjeuner a l’encampement ƒ Visite de la colline des écritures (par 4x4) ƒ Déjeuner a Gossi et repose ƒ Visite de site archéologique (par pied ou par 4x4) ƒ Tour de mare avec le « picnic » déjeuner ƒ Voyage des chameaux avant le diner ƒ Diner et la nuit nomadique ƒ Repartir au matin

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Annex IV: Birding Africa and Naturetrek tours to Mali

Guides1

There are many official tourist guides who know something about birds, but that is not to say they can help in bird identification. One highly recommended guide who speaks English and is trying to learn bird ID is Yaya Keita at Tam Tam Tours, BPE 2495 Bamako. His email is [email protected]

The following are French-speaking contact persons for some of the birding hotspots noted above.

Bamako/Torokorobougou: Mahamane Cissé, known as "Bengué" or "Sosso," Rue 351, Porte 15 Torokorobougou. He knows how to find birds on the islands in the Niger river.

Segou: three biology teachers at the Cabral Lycée have training in bird identification: Ibrahim Diabaté, Famahan Nomoko, and Adama Samogo. They know Konodimini and Soninkora farm and other sites.

Konna: Alhousseyni Sarro, Veterinarian at Konna. Tel : 246 10 01 or 246 10 02 ask for "Sarro le Veto"

Yanfolila: Souleymane Sidibé, at the ca

1 This information is taken from the African Bird Club website ( http://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/Mali/introduction.html ). As indicated in the body of the report, birding can serve as an excellent compliment to / component of ecotourism in (and en route to) the Gourma Region.

49 Annex V: Mali Elephant Project Map of Migratory Path

50 Mali Elephant Project Map of Migratory Path

51