Senegal River Management - Policy research to identify conditions for optimal functioning of the Senegal river ecosystem in Mali, Mauritania and Senegal

In the Senegal River valley marked ecological changes have occurred after the construction of two high dams, i.e. the Diama dam near the mouth of the river in Senegal, since 1986, and the Manantali dam in Mali, which is operational since 1988. Due to a decrease in the water level fluctuation and prevention of salt water inflow, large areas have become overgrown by dense stands of aquatic weeds. The impact of different water management strategies on development of dense aquatic vegetation in the Senegal River was estimated and policies were developed to mitigate the negative effects of dense vegetation in the Senegal River to local people. Furthermore, advice on how to prevent a further spread of Salvina in the Senegal River, as well as introduction of water hyacinth was provided.