Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is located in the Senegal River delta, northeast of the city of Saint-Louis. Spanning over 16,000 hectares, it acts as a vital stopover for one and a half million birds migrating from Europe to Africa. The sanctuary comprises a large lake surrounded by streams, ponds, and backwaters, forming an essential wetland ecosystem that supports diverse birdlife including pelicans, flamingos, and a variety of ducks. Established in 1971 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the sanctuary serves as a research site for ornithologists and conservationists. The sanctuary also enriches the local economy through eco-tourism, drawing visitors who seek to marvel at both the abundant avian life and the harmonious interplay of water and land.
