CENTRE FAGARU RESERVE DE BIOSPHERE DU DELTA DU SALOUM - SENEGAL - CENTRE FAGARU BP 12 322 COLOBANE DAKAR- SENEGAL - WEST AFRICA
TABLE OF CONTENTS THE SALOUM RIVER DELTA A WORLD- CLASS ASSET... 3 RATIONALE AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES... 4 CENTRE FAGARU site location and ecological importance... 6 Existing Facilities and infrastructures...7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... 7 FUTURE PLANS FOR 2009-2013... 8 IN SITU CONSERVATION AND FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION... 9 NATURE TOURISM AND EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL... 10 THE DELTA INSTITUTE... 11 CONCLUSION... 12 FAGARU Fagaru is a Wolof (one of the national languages in Senegal) term meaning individual self-empowerment and often implies empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own situation. 2
THE SALOUM RIVER DELTA A WORLD- CLASS ASSET The Saloum river delta is situated on the west coast of Senegal, 280 km south of the capital Dakar and on the northern part of the neighbouring country The Gambia. The river delta is part of a vast wetland system, a transfrontier estuarine ecosystem that extends across the Senegal-Gambia border and includes the Niumi National Park in The Gambia. At the crossroad between the arid Sahel-Sahara in the North and the humid tropics in the South, the Saloum river delta harbours globally threatened species and species at the limit of their natural distribution. Much of the Saloum river delta is a national park, a protected marine and estuarine area of about 70 000 ha with a fine mosaic of islands and creeks of vital importance for the breeding of a large variety of migratory birds and marine species. The Saloum River Delta National Park thus covers about one fifth of the delta and constitutes the core area of the Saloum River Delta Biosphere Reserve set up both to conserve genetic diversity and to promote sustainable management of the unique natural and cultural heritage. The national park is also registered under the Ramsar Convention, known in full as the Convention on Wetlands of International importance especially as waterfowl habitat. The area supports varied terrestrial and marine habitats with a diverse range of flora and fauna including 36 species of mammals, 115 species of fish, over 350 species of both sedentary and migratory birds and over 400 species of plants. Large marine mammals are the manatee, the river dolphin and the bottle-nosed dolphin. There is a wealth of bird life, with large nesting colonies of several migratory species. The river delta is one of the most important sites in the world for colonial breeding terns and gulls especially Royal and Caspian Terns, Grey-headed Gulls and Reef Egrets; and the most important site for wintering Great Egret in West Africa and the only known breeding site in Senegal for Grey Heron. The biosphere reserve incorporates various cultural heritage sites ranging from an array of small and large megalith sites, proto-historic shell mounds used as burial sites, ruins of small fisher settlements, numerous sacred groves and sites of historical importance. These sites are interesting places to be visited. The megaliths are circles of prism shaped stones ranging from three until ten metres in diameter and with heights up to three metres. The shell mounds are artificial islands built solemnly of shell leftover. The history behind these megaliths and shell mounds are still not fully uncovered. What we do know is that some were grave sites. Skeletons, weapons, ritual vases and necklaces have been found at these sites. By the middle of the fifteenth century Western Europe, West Africa and The Americas were being drawn increasingly into a wider and expanding world economic system that forever after would alter the ways of life of people living across the globe. Important historical vestiges are found across Senegal and The Gambia known then as Senegambia. The area called Niumi and comprising the southern part of the Saloum river delta and the north bank of the Gambia River delta has been a major base for early European expansion in West Africa and was the first region of sub-saharan Africa to become a major exporter of slaves into the Atlantic economy. Thus the region is a site of historical importance for people of African origin scattered throughout the Americas during the Middle Passage. 3
RATIONALE AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES The fact of sub-saharan Africa s crisis is now universally acknowledged. There is also far more written about the nature, causes and effects of the crisis facing African societies than about possible solutions. It becomes evident in all analytical and ideological positions that there is still a need for local initiatives that are likely to give support at a grassroots level and promote economic welfare. There is also no doubt that national development programmes will require the active involvement and participation of the local population, private and public institutions and political coalitions to overcome constraints and offer alternatives. According to various governmental authorities and international organisations, a new way of conceptualising development and sustainability must be created to promote economic welfare and tackle the environmental crisis. This analysis is reflected in the various national development programmes and policy instruments agreed upon between Senegal and international partners. All these instruments called for more attention to be given to the problem of demand for adequate learning opportunities and the link between poverty and biodiversity loss. There is also a pronounced need to stimulate entrepreneurship and private sector development to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth. While lacking the most needed resources, both human and material, the rural areas are to suffer the most the existing environmental and economic crisis. Despite significant advancement in various fields, there is still a need for innovative projects and concrete actions to support poverty alleviation initiatives in rural areas and protect the natural environment. But, no matter how objectively necessary changes might appear to be for the welfare of people, societal changes can t occur until motivated and skilled individuals are ready to get involved and turn ideas and ideals into viable initiatives that benefit the natural environment and communities. Convinced that the best way to predict the future is to invent it, Birame Diouf decided to return to Senegal after 12 years of stay in Norway and invest himself for the realisation of an ambitious pilot programme called Centre Fagaru. The concept of Centre Fagaru stems from recommendations expressed in different international conventions (International Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, UNESCO-Man And the Biosphere programme ) inviting public and private bodies to establish resource and competence centres in the immediate surroundings of protected areas to assist in information provision, environmental education, training delivery; and offer support to various initiatives at the local, national and international level to protect the natural environment and promote economic growth. The development of Centre Fagaru from its inception did not follow the traditional blueprint approach, that is to say on the assumption that a given problem or problem area can be totally described in advance and be completely solved by using sufficient external input and knowhow. It is a fact that knowledge in the planning phase is always limited, and that it is a central element of the development process to collect knowledge and insight through pilot projects, dialogue and collaboration with various social groups and institutions. Therefore the line between planning and implementation has never been a distinct one; and projects and initiatives can be re-adjusted along the way to respond to changes and emerging needs. The development strategy thus encourages the process of action-learning and the use of 4
information and newly acquired experience to chart a course of action along the way. For that reason the most effective development strategies and funding alternatives have to be reviewed continually to strengthen organisational and financial capacity. Integration is therefore one of the core elements in this process, which presupposes a functional relationship between projects and a coordination of project activities in time, in space and also on target groups. Selection and design of mutually supporting projects are of prime importance as to pay more attention to the multidimensional nature of biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic development calling for broader approaches. Indeed the draft programme discussed with various authorities in Senegal between 1994 and 1996 was presented as one small social innovation representing previously latent interests at the local, national and international level. It was defined as a creative tool that would allow new occupational activities to emerge and provide services and training to respond to local, national and international demands and needs. The programme document written in 1996 was therefore not a set of ready-made solutions but a long term framework within which the promoter and selected partners will collaborate, work out pilot projects and enable the best use to be made of available human, natural and financial resources and opportunities. The final programme document was sent to the President s Office in Senegal in December 1996 to ask for a meeting and maybe obtain the President s formal approval for ongoing planning and implementation of the programme. It was also an occasion to test the viability of the concept and assess the interest of government officials for such a programme. Birame Diouf was received at the President s office and a green light given for further implementation and development. He was allocated a 30 hectares land property nearby the Saloum river delta national park to establish a multi-purpose rural resource and competence centre which is to become a valuable asset for local communities, schools, training institutions and tourists visiting the Saloum river delta. What is really at stake is the creation of an entirely new form of enterprise that would allow a social purpose and a business purpose to co-exist and nurture each other. We are convinced that income generation is vital, and that rural development is not about putting even more effort into finding unexplored donor territory. For us it is all about supporting the social entrepreneurship that exists in the inception of Centre Fagaru and to move to a concern for sustainability and reinvestment strategies that benefit the natural and cultural environment. We started to assess how to successfully build a hybrid resource centre that tightly integrates non-profit and for profit units. We soon realise that the advantages of a hybrid organisational structure could go far beyond additional revenue streams in the sense that they can extend our mission, reduce dependency on development aid and provide social entrepreneurs in rural areas and others with additional opportunities for learning and mobility. Thus the planned forprofit units at Centre Fagaru must do more than cover start-up and running costs. They must generate enough profit to assist in conservation work and community development initiatives, and as much as possible, the for-profit units should share resources, space and equipment with non-profit organisations. 5
CENTRE FAGARU site location and ecological importance Centre Fagaru is a 30 hectares property at the heart of a larger protected coastal forest facing superb mangrove covered creeks that connect the site to the numerous islands of the river and the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast. Unencumbered by any industry, pollution or population, Centre Fagaru is isolated but accessible, both by road and by boat. The nearest village is about 5 km away. The site is indeed beautiful.an old sacred grove covers half of the property. The taboos and myths surrounding this tiny little place have contributed to the preservation of a superb indigenous forest, one of the last remaining biological hotspot of the region. Despite its small size, Centre Fagaru contains an unexpectedly high fraction of the indigenous flora with over 100 plant species. Heavily forested with a large number of plant and animal species the sacred grove is one of the last viable habitats for the Red colobus (Procolobus badius temmincki), an endangered primate species threatened by the destruction of the tropical gallery forests which constitute its natural habitat. The total population of colobus in the Saloum Biosphere Reserve is estimated at less than one thousand. Enhancing biodiversity is therefore the main concern at Centre Fagaru and priority conservation issues include site protection and in situ conservation of endangered species. A conservation programme is carried out yearly to address critical issues and provide the personnel with the tools they need to take informed actions. Environmental stewardship is thus manifested in many ways and Centre Fagaru is already providing societal benefits by preserving in situ biological diversity and maintaining ecological processes. Centre Fagaru is today formally recognised as a site of ecological importance and a valuable conservation tool by the Senegalese authorities. At the World Park Congress in 2003 in Durban, the Ministry of Environment presented Centre Fagaru as a pilot project and a genuine Senegalese answer to global challenges related to biodiversity conservation. A civil servant from the Directorate of National Parks is now detached at Centre Fagaru to assist in training delivery, environmental education and interpretation. But it is becoming increasingly necessary to understand how species surviving in small forest remnants are adapting to changes in the environment. There are few studies of sacred groves and forest fragments in Senegal, the ecology and behaviour of species in forest remnants and the effects of habitat reduction and isolation. In this sense the indigenous forest remnant at Centre Fagaru is of valuable importance for studies focusing on species resilience and looking at ways to connect it with forest remnants in the immediate surroundings as to provide multifunctional forest landscapes that deliver a variety of forest goods and services. The strategic location of Centre Fagaru within a wider protected stretch of protected coastal woodlands and nearby sites of ecological and cultural importance offers great possibilities for combining biological, educational and recreational resources and activities. Outlying areas provide a diversity of natural habitats, ecosystems and biological resources to support nature tourism, environmental education and research activities. Centre Fagaru has received independent travellers, school classes and environmentalist groups from Senegal, USA, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Belgium. 6
Existing Facilities and infrastructures Accommodation and other built facilities consist of three separate units: o o o Badala This unit is built by the shoreline and consists of two separate apartments with two rooms each, one building with four bedrooms and two large bungalows for the restaurant and recreational activities. (Badala means by the riverside in Mandinka). Base Camp This unit is built amidst the site and consists of four separate large rooms and three bungalows for guest accommodation, seven small bungalows for staff accommodation, a large bungalow for staff meeting and training, one building housing the kitchen and a store, a large separate room used as dormitory and one building with shared shower and WC facilities for staff members. The Administration unit is built by the entrance and consists of four buildings with office facilities, three rooms for guest accommodation and an outdoor hall for cultural events and a cafeteria. Due to its remote location, Centre Fagaru generates its own power and water. There is an adequate supply of good groundwater and Centre Fagaru relies on its private water well. Small generators for kitchen, restaurant and recreational facilities supplemented by solar energy provide power. Power generation equipments are housed in separate noise proof facilities. All sewage and waste are treated responsibly and kitchen waste is composted to reduce waste and provide much needed mulch for on site vegetable cultivation. Grey-water will be treated for secondary use. The tree nursery is located nearby the entrance. The overall purpose of the tree nursery is to grow tree seedlings for reforestation as well as provide the most comprehensive collection of native tree species in Senegal. Surplus seedlings will be for sale for at low price to landscapers and national distributors in order to promote indigenous tree planting. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Centre Fagaru has become a leading project experiment to bring about change and innovation in nature conservation and valuing biodiversity; and external audiences also are signalling that they value Centre Fagaru s overall mission and achievements. Several factors underscored that Centre Fagaru has been achieving its stated mission, and projects implemented at Centre Fagaru received financial support from The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and The Global Environment Facility/UNDP Senegal. Centre Fagaru has been recently honoured with a study grant from The Chevening Programme/United Kingdom, to allow one of the key staff member to complete a Master degree at Swansea University, Wales. NORAD provided valuable funding from 1998 to 2002 to support in situ conservation and the implementation of various community initiatives. Additional funding from GEF/UNDP-Small grant programme (2002-2003) helped address critical issues related to management of forest remnants and community mobilisation. Both projects have been successfully completed. 7
FUTURE PLANS FOR 2009-2013 A strong conservation ethic is at the heart of the creation of Centre Fagaru and the conservation and development programme recognises the need for a multi-dimensional approach that takes into account the fragility of ecosystems and habitats while simultaneously fostering human development, economic sustainability and welfare. For that reason new organisational arrangements will be made to build on existing assets and achievements, and offer viable alternatives to address critical issues related to poverty alleviation and biodiversity loss. Advancing initial efforts to develop an innovative resource and competence centre, we are entering into a new phase (2009-2013) to upgrade the activity profile of Centre Fagaru. Future plans encompass the implementation of different but integrated initiatives set up to build on existing achievements and opportunities at Centre Fagaru, and take advantage of the expertise available worldwide in the fields of ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, human resource development and entrepreneurship. By the end of 2009 Centre Fagaru will be constituted of different but complementary entities - both private and not-for-profit organisations - and a pool of resource persons and technical partners for the funding, management and development of various activities and projects. 1. SAPAD (Structure d Appui Pour l Aménagement et le Développement du Delta du Saloum) SAPAD is a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1997 to offer support in situ conservation of biological resources at the site. The objectives of SAPAD encompass in situ conservation of threatened species, the development and implementation of local initiatives to enhance community mobilisation in conservation work and the dissemination of wise use practices for sustainable community development. Wildlife and birds are encouraged back onto the site through protection, reforestation and restoration initiatives. 2. SKILLS Nature Tourism and Educational Travel. This private company will be responsible for further funding and management of facilities for tourism development and promotion at Centre Fagaru. SKILLS seeks to make profit through creating opportunities for individuals and groups to experience the beauty of the Saloum river delta and learn about it while taking part in recreational and educational activities. Additional funding is needed to further develop and promote tourism at the site by upgrading facilities and marketing products and services globally. SKILLS will begin its operation in 2010. 3. The Delta Institute is planned to be a private educational institute that offers innovative professional training and academic programmes at undergraduate level in the fields of nature-based tourism, nature conservation, community development and tropical aquaculture. The integrated nature of projects at Centre Fagaru will provide students with valuable hands-on experience and make them familiar with a wide range of learning opportunities and ecological field situations, since examples of different biomes of tropical and estuarine ecosystems are located in the immediate surroundings. The Delta Institute is expected to start its activities in 2011. A business plan comprising detailed curricula for the different fields of specialisation and development strategies will be presented to national authorities for certification. 8
IN SITU CONSERVATION AND FOREST LANDSCAPE RESTORATION The circumstances and issues that SAPAD and Centre Fagaru seek to address are complex and very challenging. Deforestation and forest degradation have altered many of the world's tropical forest landscapes to such a degree that only 18% of original forest cover in the tropics is still found in large and contiguous tracts. Despite important biodiversity loss caused by fragmentation of the forest cover in the Saloum river delta, there is an urgent need to protect forest remnants, to better connectivity between them and to control the effects of fragmentation, so that remnant patches successfully maintain their natural qualities. The indigenous forest at Centre Fagaru provides an idea of the type of vegetation that has been destroyed by cultivation and other human purposes. It is widely acknowledged that forest remnants can play a critical role in natural forest recovery by increasing seed dispersal and species diversity. The conservation programme for the coming period thus encourages partnership with private and public organisations to implement innovative and practical forest landscape restoration projects to preserve and wherever possible connect forest remnants and promote awareness among the population of the many benefits that accrue from in situ conservation and rehabilitating degraded woodlands. But it is our opinion that a comprehensive strategy to protect biodiversity in the Saloum river delta must focus considerable attention on marine and estuarine areas. Conservation initiatives for the period 2010-2013 thus include sustainable management of freshwater streams, flood plains and coastal wetlands that are also of prime importance for the productivity of the estuarine ecosystem. Coastal Sub-Saharan countries are today heavily burdened with the destruction of coastal woodlands, mangrove forests and the depletion of coastal fisheries that increase poverty in coastal communities. An estimated three quarters of the fish species caught in coastal West Africa spend part of their lives within the estuaries, so conditions within the Saloum river delta and other estuaries have a direct effect on marine fish stocks and economic welfare in coastal communities. As fisheries decline and regulations are adopted to preserve marine fish stocks, aquaculture presents great potential for reducing the pressure on breeding fish species in the river delta and creating new businesses for coastal communities. The relative abundance of coastal wetlands and fresh water from seasonally flooded plains and streams makes of the Saloum river delta a good place to raise fish. One of the major limiting factors to aquaculture development in Senegal is the lack of demonstrative aquaculture farms and the absence of training facilities. Therefore three hectares of land at Centre Fagaru are earmarked for aquaculture development. Facilities for training and aquaculture production will consist of outdoor pond systems, a basic processing unit and a field laboratory required for biochemical analysis. Centre Fagaru will support aquaculture research, demonstration and extension work to promote viable and profitable aquaculture development in the Saloum river delta. 9
NATURE TOURISM AND EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL Changing values and new travel trends are generating demand for nature-based vacations and there is nowadays a high degree of interest in getaway vacations that offer various forms of nature tourism and combine leisure and learning. Market studies from Europe and Northern America reveal that nature travellers have higher-than-average household income and they are willing to pay more for "green" resorts and other related travel services. The World Tourism Organisation estimates that almost 50% of international tourist arrivals in developing countries are nature-loving tourists. A review of the current status of nature-based tourism worldwide confirms that the numbers of nature travellers are rising rapidly, with anything from 10% to 30% growth per year, as compared with 4,6% per year for tourism overall. Nature travellers are tourists that are expressing strong support for environmentally sensitive travel operators and they tend to avoid destinations or operators that are perceived to have negative environmental impacts. In comparative international terms, Senegal has excellent natural assets, distributed around the country, which have considerable potential for tourism development beyond the current size of the sector. Senegal s rich variety of ecosystems, vibrant cultural life and other non-resort assets provides the potential for diversification of the tourism product that could expand its appeal to education and nature travellers seeking for unique experiences. Tourism is the second largest sector in the Senegalese economy and the country has experienced significant growth in attracting international investments and tourists in recent years. A peaceful political environment, the variety of ecosystems and protected areas, a beautiful coastline combined with a warm and sunny climate have contributed to make of the country a prime destination for tourists. In order to reach its goal of becoming the Saloum river delta's premiere nature and educational travel provider, SKILLS will strengthen Centre Fagaru's reputation as a differentiated and prime provider for ecologists, nature travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Accommodation facilities at Centre Fagaru consist of well appointed rooms and bungalows reflecting the architectural heritage of various ethnic groups in Senegal. Some rooms are interconnected, to be suitable for families. Centre Fagaru offers basic cheap accommodation for backpackers and independent travellers; and comfortable accommodation for other guests that may require rooms with a host of modern amenities. Excursions and in situ tours are conducted by resident guides who provide broad biologically based interpretation of the cultural heritage, fauna and flora of the Saloum river delta and of the country in general. Although competition in the tourism sector is intense, there are opportunities for ecolodges like Centre Fagaru catering for the emerging markets of ecotourism and other forms of responsible travel. A site s location in a well preserved natural environment, a sound community agenda and the proximity to other natural and cultural sites are unique comparative advantages that will make SKILLS prosper. Information provision and various sales efforts will highlight our green credentials and conservation efforts; convey the right image and help reach targeted niche markets. The product mix offered by SKILLS is designed to provide as much flexibility as possible to guests and to attract both the pre-booked customer and the tourist already in Senegal or in The Gambia and looking for exciting activities to add to their travel experience. 10
THE DELTA INSTITUTE The Delta Institute is established to enhance the educative profile of Centre Fagaru and provide a framework within which strong inter-disciplinary training and applied-research activities can be conducted to advance biodiversity conservation and economic welfare for rural communities. In this perspective the mission of the Delta Institute is to contribute in the training of highly competent and socially responsible practitioners. The Institute will offer professional training and academic education at undergraduate level for national and international students in four (4) different but integrated fields of study: - Sustainable tourism - with a specific focus on nature-based tourism and interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage. Centre Fagaru will gradually act as an ecotourism incubator to enhance local business development. - Community development - to advance the knowledge and practice of community development in Senegal and Africa at large. Fundamental to community development is the need for active local organisations and responsive institutions to address relevant community issues. This training programme is concerned with human development of those men and women dedicated to community mobilisation and organisational development. - Conservation biology and restoration ecology a proactive theoretical and practical training to address critical issues and offer alternatives to reduce biodiversity loss and help improve rural livelihoods through restoration and rehabilitation of degraded natural sites. The ecological crisis is generating incredible demand for skilled practitioners, one with the knowledge and commitment to lift people out of poverty while respecting and repairing the environment. - Tropical aquaculture - with a specific focus on entrepreneurship, planning and management of tilapia and catfish culture in outdoor ponds. The languages of instruction and examination are French and English to recruit students from different African countries and promote cooperation and a greater exchange and mobility within the African continent. This option is in line with recommendations from the African Union. Once in place, demand for such quality training offered by the Delta Institute should rise, since students will benefit from a unique learning environment. Ongoing projects and activities at Centre Fagaru and surrounding rural communities create for the students a strong appreciation of theory and several sites of natural and cultural importance within a short distance of Centre Fagaru offer unique opportunities for field research and student's dissertations. The practical applications offered at the site and hands-on activities are also useful as ends in themselves and as tools to acquire valuable skills for employment and entrepreneurship. An important aspect of the Delta Institute will be credit laddering designed to permit and encourage onward education of students. The challenge is then to collaborate and connect with national and international universities and training institutions to allow and encourage student mobility and flexibility in their education. 11
CONCLUSION Since its foundation in 1998, Centre Fagaru has spearheaded many campaigns for the protection of the Saloum River Delta Biosphere Reserve s unique landscapes, wildlife and cultural sites. Centre Fagaru already makes a unique Senegalese contribution to national and international efforts in the conservation and wise use of the cultural and biological resources and, in so doing, conforms to the mission and objectives of the UNESCO s Man And the Biosphere Programme that recognises that maintaining biodiversity requires more than just protecting wildlife and their habitats in nature conservation reserves and national parks. It is also about the sustainable use and management of all natural resources and determining the appropriate trade-off between biodiversity protection and the human activities that create value for people but result in biodiversity loss. Modern societies now realise that quality of life depends not only on a strong economy, but also on a healthy natural environment. This dual challenge is becoming more and more evident. Therefore future development plans encompass a proactive conservation ethic that seeks to empower organisations and people of all ages local population and international visitors alike - to assume responsibility for creating and enjoying a sustainable future. We strongly believe that Centre Fagaru has the potential to transform the lives of many young people and adults seeking competency and know-how to reduce global biodiversity loss and change the economic landscape of impoverished rural communities in Senegal. The complexity of issues and the rapid changes in the environment underline the necessity to build a sound basis for effective partnership to draw on all possible sources of knowledge and experience. Therefore an International Working Group (IWG) will be set up in 2010 to provide the founder and Board of Centre Fagaru with independent advice, plus any general views that the IWG believes would be useful in further planning and development. Members of the working group are co-opted on the basis of their competency, motivation and desire to embark on the process of transforming Centre Fagaru into a national landmark. The founder has built a solid network and reputation for excellence in nature conservation and community development initiatives. He is consulted by national authorities and conservation organisations to participate in policy formulation at national level and to offer support for the planning and development of various community initiatives. New businesses and projects at Centre Fagaru will bring to the biosphere reserve an impressive pool of resource persons, international visitors and tourists; and introduce as many people as possible to the biosphere reserve s natural and cultural legacy and about challenges related to its conservation and sustainable management. Through changing public attitudes, developing international cooperation, promoting alternative economic approaches at grassroots level, improving scientific understanding, and developing effective models that can be applied elsewhere, small forest remnants in biosphere reserve can extend their benefits well beyond their geographically limited boundaries. This is what Centre Fagaru is about! 12