The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Guinea

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

GUINEA / GUINEE

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Guinea on 18 March 1993. Guinea presently has 16 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 6,422,361 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Bafing-Falémé. 16/10/07; Labé; 517,300 ha; 12°00'N 011°30'W. Includes managed resource protected areas (IUCN cat. VI). An extensive area of rolling terrain, 800m-1000m altitude, including gallery forest, shrub and wooded savannah, and floodplains, near where the Bafing River descends from the Fouta Djallon massif northward to become the Senegal River in northwestern Mali. The area has an important influence on the hydrology of the Senegal River basin and it also supports an array of threatened species such as chimpanzees, lions, and vultures. Human uses include agriculture and pastoral pursuits in the floodplain areas. There is presently no management plan for the whole site, but steps are being taken to alleviate threats from unmanaged forestry, brush fires, poaching of protected species and out of season hunting. Ramsar site no. 1719. Most recent RIS information: 2007.

Bafing-Source. 16/10/07; Mamou; 317,200 ha; 10°36'N 11°50'W. Includes classified forests (IUCN cat. VI). An extended highland area, 800m-1500m altitude, of varied hilly terrain with shrub and wooded savannah, gallery forest, and wet meadow. The site supports a number of threatened species, including the Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the West African Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). The region is semi-arid, especially during the dry season November to May, and several large and small ponds provide refuge that is vital as the fragmentation of habitats due to demographic pressures has made free movement difficult for many species. Small-scale agriculture and pasturage, as well as fishing and working with wood products, are the chief uses of the site's resources, but unplanned land uses such as deforestation of steep slopes and river banks have had damaging effects, including increased flooding. Increasingly weak and irregular precipitation is seen as one of the principal threats to the character of the site, as well as growing population pressure. Ramsar site no. 1720. Most recent RIS information: 2007.

Gambie-Koulountou. 14/11/05; Boké; 281,400 ha; 12°01'N 013°34'W. National Park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A semi-arid region at the border with Senegal, comprising the floodplain of the Koulountou River, the Gambia River's main tributary, and a number of smaller, often temporary watercourses and ponds. These water bodies support numerous species, including 80 species of mammals, 330 of birds, as well as reptiles and amphibians, which find an important refuge in the site especially during the dry season. The vegetation, varying through savanna, forest, woodland, and aquatic species, plays an important role in preventing erosion and siltation of the wetlands, while humus deposition increases the floodplain's fertility, allowing rice cultivation to take place. Fishing and animal raising are also significant activities, while non-timber forest products are collected for several uses, with Borassus aethiopum, raffia and bamboo being the most exploited species. In the core area of the Badiar Biosphere Reserve, no activity other than conservation is allowed to take place, but in the periphery, a co-management system is in place to allow the varied communities to make use of the site. Bush fires, illegal fishing, pesticide use, and slash and burn agriculture constitute some of the main threats to the site. Ramsar site no. 1578.Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Gambie-Oundou-Liti. 14/11/05; Labé, 527,400 ha; 11°33'N 012°18'W. Nature Reserve. A mountainous site in the Fouta massif that plays an important hydrologic role as the origin of numerous water courses which flow into surrounding countries and are regulated by three protected forests. Floodplains, savannas, gallery and mountain forests are important habitats, reproduction, resting and feeding sites for some threatened species such as lions, chimps and wild dogs, and for many more mammal, raptor and waterbird species for which there is still little information available. Agriculture (subsistence and fruit trees) and animal raising are the main land uses, while apiculture and fishing are less developed. Water is considered a public good with water courses and sources managed communally, based on the Water Code. There is a high tourist potential in the area that remains to be exploited, with several interesting cultural and natural attractions, including underground mosques, mysterious tombs, smoky caves, giant bees, waterfalls and warrior "tatas" or fortified houses. One of the main threats to the site, as well as to downstream wetlands, is the projected Sambagallo dam, which will flood part of the Kabéla forest. Ramsar site no. 1579.Most recent RIS information: 2005.

Ile Alcatraz. 18/11/92; Kamsar, Boke; 1 ha; 10º38’N 015º23’W. Shallow marine waters, sandy intertidal zones, and two small islands. The larger (Ile Alcatraz) is rocky, devoid of vegetation and covered by a thick layer of guano, providing nesting habitat for the largest colony (3,000 pairs) of Sula leucogaster in West Africa. Ile de Naufrage, a low sand bank, remains uncovered at high tide, providing a roost for 6 species of terns. Surrounding waters support dolphins and marine turtles. Ramsar site no. 571. Most recent RIS information: 1990.

Ile Blanche. 23/06/93; 10 ha; 09º26’N 013º46’W. A rocky sand covered islet. Unusual for the occurrence of coral and rare fish species. The last substantial refuge in Guinea for Lepidochelys olivacea, which reproduce here. Sea turtles are among the rare and endangered species and are hunted. Clandestine collection of coral and turtle eggs occurs. Home to shipwrecks, the area is used for water sports and traditional rituals. Ramsar site no. 618. Most recent RIS information: ?.

Iles Tristao. 18/11/92; 85,000 ha; 10º55’N 015º00’W. Kogon River Delta, an estuarine complex of extensive mangrove forests and sandy intertidal zones. The site contains several villages where activities include traditional fishing, rice cultivation, and small-scale horticulture. The area supports nesting and wintering birds. Mammals include hippopotamus. Ramsar site no. 572. Most recent RIS information: 1990.

Konkouré. 18/11/92; 90,000 ha; 09º45’N 013º41’W. Estuarine complex, forming part of the Konkouré River Delta, with extensive intertidal mud/sand flats, mangrove forests and adjoining marsh. Primary human activities include subsistence fishing and rice cultivation. Mangroves provide nesting sites for several rare bird species. Mudflats support large numbers of wintering Palearctic shorebirds. Ramsar site no. 575. Most recent RIS information: 1990.

Niger-Mafou. 17/01/02; Kankan, Faranah; 1,015,450 ha; 09°53'N 010°37'W. Réserve naturelle gérée. A very large area of permanent and seasonal rivers and freshwater marshes, with irrigated and seasonally flooded agricultural land, located between and around the rivers Niger and Mafou. Large areas of primary dry forest support a high level of unusual biodiversity, and the area has been little altered by human intervention. The threatened endemic fish Arius gigas is supported, and a number of waterbirds visit the site annually. Moreover, the site is situated in a migratory corridor for large mammals between Guinea and neighboring states, with abundant water resources for them throughout the year. Water quality is good, but increases in cotton-growing and the use of pesticides may offer a threat - moreover, the mahogany tree Afzelia africana, highly prized in woodworking, is now menaced with extinction. Traditional fishing is economically important, as is agriculture and grazing, but losses due to clearing and deforestation are not negligible, and the use of explosives in fishing is diminishing fish stocks. The numerous ponds figure prominently in cultural life, with family and village festivals and rituals said to bring moral and material happiness.Ramsar site no. 1163.Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Niger-Niandan-Milo. 17/01/02; Kankan; 1,046,400 ha; 10°30'N 009°30'W. Réserve naturelle gérée, National Park. A very large flat expanse of permanent and seasonal rivers and freshwater ponds and marshes, a critical link between the upstream and downstream portions of the Niger Basin, including within the site the Upper Niger National Park. The site is extremely important for its hydrological functions and for its fish biodiversity, with more than 200 species noted. The forest of Mafou and the pond of Baro are particularly rich in folklore. Professionalization of fishing activities is lessening the effects of irresponsible practices, such as the use of dynamite and chemicals to cause massive fish mortality. The construction of a hydroelectric barrage is in planning stages but is not expected to affect the ecology of the site adversely. Ramsar site no. 1164. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Niger Source. 17/01/02; Faranah; 180,400 ha; 09°20'N 010°40'W. Réserve naturelle gérée. Covering the headwaters of the river Niger from its source near the frontier with Sierra Leone northward to Bandéya, the site is marked by savannah and forest vegetation with marked dry and rainy flood seasons. An extraordinarily important site, since the enormous basin of 4,660km river depends upon the quality and quantity of its flow, it also supports an impressive biodiversity, including the threatened endemic freshwater catfish Arius gigas and a number of migratory waterbirds. Subterranean circulation of water in parts of the site aids in groundwater recharge and merits further study. Traditional fishing, grazing, and agriculture are practiced within the site. Ramsar site no. 1165. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Niger-Tinkisso. 17/01/02; Kankan; 400,600 ha; 11°20'N 009°15'W. Réserve naturelle gérée. An extensive area of river and freshwater ponds and marshes between and around the Tinkisso river and the Niger as far as the frontier with Mali, centering upon Siguiri, particularly representative of the most important wetland types of West Africa. The Western Giant (or Derby) Eland, thought to be extinct in Guinea, has been rediscovered within the site but remains threatened, and appreciable number of both waterbirds and molluscs are reported. Water quality is generally good, but the effects of mining (particularly gold mining) and pesticide runoff from cotton culture will bear close watching. Ramsar site no. 1166. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Rio Kapatchez. 18/11/92; 20,000 ha; 10º25’N 014º33’W. A complex of mangrove forests, intertidal mud/sand flats, and freshwater marshes supporting various nesting waterbirds (two rare species), two species of flamingos, and large numbers of wintering shorebirds. The site includes marshy coastal plains bordered by a stabilized dune cordon. A small island is important as a high tide roost for shorebirds. Human activities include traditional fishing and subsistence rice cultivation. Intensive rice cultivation occurs in surrounding areas. Ramsar site no. 573. Most recent RIS information: 1990.

Rio Pongo. 18/11/92; 30,000 ha; 10º08’N 014º08’W. Extensive estuarine complex dominated by pristine mangrove forests. Several small villages dependent on traditional fishing and subsistence rice growing are found on stabilized dune ridges within the site. Other human activities include wood cutting by outsiders, poaching, and disturbance of nesting birds. Ramsar site no. 574. Most recent RIS information: 1990.

Sankarani-Fié. 17/01/02; Kankan; 1,015,200 ha; 10°25'N 008°30'W. Réserve naturelle gérée. The basin of the Sankarani river west of the country's frontiers with Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, characterized by savannah and dry forest and enormous floodplains along the length of the river. The area is the most productive of fish in the region, especially important as a spawning ground because of its calm and deep currents protected by gallery forests - the taste of the fish of the river Fié is said to be particularly prized by connoisseurs. Hippopotami have become numerous within the site because of water retained by the Sélingué dam. Ramsar site no. 1167. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

Tinkisso. 17/01/02; Faranah, Kankan; 896,000 ha; 11°13'N 010°35'W. Réserve naturelle gérée. The upper reaches of the Tinkisso river from the highlands near Dabola and Dinguiraye downstream toward the plains near Siguiri, with a climate characterized by two seasons, rainy from June to October and dry from November to May with the strong dry east-to-west wind called the harmattan. The site supports manatees, which are gravely threatened in the region, as well as the Palmyra or ronier palm (Borassus aethiopum), which has been seriously over-exploited, particularly for making palm wine, and will disappear in the region unless steps are taken. Ramsar site no. 1168. Most recent RIS information: 2001.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 23 January 2000, last updated 14 November 2007, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.