The Inner Niger Delta (IND) is an extensive and densely populated area made up of floodplains and flood forests with many socio-economic activities. These include agriculture, livestock, fisheries, picking of fruits, handicraft, navigation, tourism and trade. Some 1.5 million people depend on these floodplains for their daily resources and ecosystem services. Read more on the Inner Niger Delta.
Bad infrastructural planning, pollution & climate change
Its main threats are bad water management planning, including infrastructure such as dams, and pollution and climate change. Most climate scenarios indicate less rain in the Sahel, and all recent climate research indicates an increase of the temperature there. The river flow of the Niger is expected to decrease. This will have strong impacts on the livelihoods of the Delta's inhabitants. Read more...
Wetlands International: years of research experience
Wetlands International has years of experience in Mali working with local communities and highest level of government. Scientific research condensed into reports and publications (see example: The Niger, A Lifeline - to the right) has provided a strong knowledge base to influence government policies and decisions affecting the Inner Niger Delta. Read more on our research in the Inner Niger Delta.
Flood prediction & livelihood improvement
Currently, our Sahelian offices in Bamako and Mopti, Mali are implementing various projects for the improvement of water management and livelihoods of the Delta’s communities, helping them to adapt to climate change.
Key examples of our work are the development of a Flood Prediction Tool called OPIDIN and the implementation of our BioRights approach: microcredit combined with environmental services. Read more on our work in the Inner Niger Delta or read about stories from the field from our BioRights beneficiairies.