Renovation of the Dzanga-Sangha Tourism Interpretation Centre
Geographical location:
Africa/Madagascar > Central Africa > Central African Republic
Summary
The Dzanga-Sangha tourism interpretation centre is located in the Dzanga-Sangha complex of protected areas in the Central African Republic. The complex is a composite of several areas gazetted in the early 1990, each having a different protective status. It includes the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, divided in 2 sectors, Dzanga (495 km2) and Ndoki (725 km2). Together with the Dzanga-Sangha Forest Special Reserve (3,359 km2), the complex protects 4,500 km2 of intact tropical moist forest containing high densities of important forest wildlife.
Background
Whereas the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park meets the traditional criteria for national park classification, the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve is a multiple use zone in which human activities (fishing, gathering, hunting and logging) are controlled. Home of the largest population of forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) in the Central African Republic, the area is highlighted by its high abundance of many other endangered wildlife species, such as the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros) and forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus). The complex is also the homeland of the Baaka forest people.
Objectives
Promote tourism, awareness raising and environmental education in the Dzanga-Sangha Forest Special Reserve by renovating the existing interpretation centre, designing the exhibition concept and producing the exhibition material.
Solution
An international consultant and a Central African consultant specialized in design and nature exhibitions will be hired. These consultants will meet the different partners in Bangui and Bayanga interested in awareness raising and environmental education in the Dzanga-Sangha complex to gather ideas, themes and design elements. These meetings will include representatives of the Waters and Forest Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Dzanga-Sangha protected areas staff, local authorities and local population.
