Saloum Delta Woody tree Cover enhancement: A Pathway for emission reductions

Abstract

The Fig.3 shows the dynamics of the different woody tree cover in the Saloum Delta. The results show a significant increase in Mangrove and Plantation coverage. In Mangroves, the coverage increased from 548.29 Km2 in 2002 to 628.43 Km2 in 2022. Mangroves in the study area and in the specific period of our study has shown an increase, mainly toward the northern part of the locality. Over time, the quality and coverage of the mangroves ecosystem within the Saloum Delta have shown improvement, owing in part to initiatives like mangrove protection measures and development projects (Dieye et al. 2013). Studies have shown that between 1988 and 2018, mangrove forest areas experienced a notable overall increase of 51.21% across The Gambia, Saloum, and lower regions (Kauffman and Bhomia 2017). Plantation increased from16.24 Km2 to 62.61 Km2. High plantation densities, yields, and the socioeconomic aspects of cashew cultivation are also been reported (Oumar et al. 2018). The Saloum Delta is experiencing regreening due to Cashew cultivation initiated by the Senegal-German cashew project (PASA) in 1979 (Coly 2016). The Fig.4 is showing the level of connectivity of the vegetation formation from low connectivity(blue) to high (yellow). In PF, Mangrove showed more cohesive landscapes in northern side which progress Eastward over time. This ecosystem is well-suited to the low-oxygen conditions found in waterlogged mud and tends to flourish in the upper portion of the intertidal region. This specialized adaptation allows mangroves to form dense, cohesive stands in coastal areas. While mangrove overgrowth can result in a more uniform landscape structure, it also promotes the development of cohesive patches (Shih et al. 2019). In OPF, some high connectivity of mangrove patches is also observed and need more attention. Pattern of plantation is characterized by increase number of small patches progressing Eastward. The development of plantation contributes significantly to regreening of the area and by consequent to land restoration if cultivated trees don’t have any impact in the health of the soil and the ecosystem in general. In contrast Close Woodland showed a slight increase while there is fluctuating trend of Open Woodland. adjacent savannah areas typically exhibit lower levels of woody vegetation coverage on average. The depletion and looming disappearance of woodlands and pastures between villages in Senegal's groundnut basins underscore the challenges confronting these ecosystems as a result of human activities (Badji et al. 2014).