Gambia tourist and ecological

Solomon Jallow: "we are in the National Park. This Park is called Tanji Bird Reserve. After we have the Atlantic Ocean, where the birds come from different continents, for an island here. That is why this nature reserve is very important for the people of the Gambia and for tourists ".

It's easy to forget that the Gambia is a tiny dot on the map of Africa. From East to West it measures 480 km and has only 48 km wide. This small jewel of West Africa promotes eco-tourism reconciling environmental, wildlife and the local community. Amateurs and professionals alike come here to admire the numerous species of birds.

Soloman Jallow: "our birds are friendly, you can approach them and closing. we have very colorful birds and birds very important in list of birdwatching. At some point most observed species in Africa can be seen in the Gambia ".

Tourist: "is a perfect place to start in Africa, because there are very good guides, the habitat is wonderful and the birds are very easy to watch."

François Chignac: "Now, for a change of scenery, we are further South in rio Mandina to see a tourist reserve. The Gambia decided to develop a quality image of the ecotourism Makasutu forest, sacred place, voted best ecological reserve in the world by the Sunday Times ".

In the middle of a lush green there is an eco-tourism reserve private property. Combines ecotourism and responsible tourism with sustainable economic development, according to the ethics of the owners James English and Lawrence Williams.

Visitors groups are small, to reduce the negative impact on the fragile forest ecosystem. Residents play a vital role in the management of the reserve which operated solar energy.

Lawrence Williams, Director Makasutu: "all employees who work here come from nearby villages. Also we have very concentrated in the forest, to make sure that the environment, the mangrove forest and the forest are also protected.

"We have developed the" Ballabu conservation project ", which is an area of 85 square Kms surrounding the Makasutu forest. La ´ inside there is a new project, the "great walls", a community-based street art. In the last three years I've been bringing artists from around the world to paint in local communities. We painted into people's homes and the plan is starting to bring tourists to see the art on the walls. What would be a source of income for local communities ".

Situated in the African jungle at the edge of deserted beach is the Eco Retreat Sandele a recently awarded.

Is the winner of the "Ethical Travel Award" awarded by The Guardian, the tourists ' comfort is guaranteed more sustainable fashion possible.

Director Eco Retreat Sandele: "philosophy is helping the local population. The building is done by local people. Do not use cement, we don't use electricity, solar energy ".

Founded in 1979, this is the oldest chimpanzee rehabilitation project of Africa and home to more than 100 copies. Wild chimpanzees have disappeared from the Gambia at the beginning of 1900, but now can be found four distinct social groups in the Baboon.

Local inhabitant who works on the project: "feed them once in a while. I'm not the only one. We are two or three. "

Patrick Lewis, Director of project: "chimps are our priority, but have trouble funding them. We have some external funding, but have developed a project of eco-tourism to help us do our job to take care of chimpanzees. "

Bonus:Tourism in Gambia, interview with the Minister of Tourism and Culture

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