Endogenous strategies for the management of marine resources by the Jola Populations in Blouf and Bliss-Karone regions in Lower Casamance, Senegal

Abstract

This work proposes, on the basis of empirical and qualitative research of the information through interviews and observations on the ground, to highlight the
different local strategies prevailing in the governance of marine natural resources in Blouf and Bliss-Karone. It will also tackle the question of seeing the importance of these resources for sustenance.

Surveys of a sample of 91 people, or 5% of households per village, have highlighted remarkable management practices. The direct dependence of populations on natural resources for their well-being has led to the introduction of a complex system of rules and conventions, normalizing their access. The restrictions (taboos or gnei-gnei, in jola) imposed for this purpose on lucrative marine resources (oysters, arches and fish) aim to ensure equal access to all members of the community and to ensure that they are sensibly used. Likewise, periods of biological rest and exploitation are also instituted. Other resources subject to limitations include the mangrove swamp and some mangrove ecosystem sites intentionally protected to restore the ecological conditions of the environment and promote species reproduction. The results indicate that these restrictions are of great importance for their conservation because the taboos imposed on these resources make it possible to enforce the rules. But, growing threats from the modern world, such as revealed religions and modernism, weigh on many animist practices. Thus, these management systems should be recognized for the sustainable conservation of natural resources in general.

Keywords: Endogenous strategies, management, marine resources, jola, Blouf, Bliss-Karone, Lower Casamance