A few kilometres from Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, the Wali Baï clearing exemplifies a conservation approach based on the involvement of local communities.
Located on the outskirts of the park, Wali Baï lies near the villages of Bomassa and Bon-Coin. Recognizing the ecological value and tourism potential of the clearing, local communities have chosen to protect its surroundings and limit hunting activities in the area.
This commitment helps maintain a safe space for observing wildlife, particularly forest elephants and buffaloes, which regularly visit the clearing.
The recent reopening of Wali Baï to visitors marks a new step in promoting the site. It is accompanied by the construction of a new, larger viewing platform, offering visitors better opportunities to observe wildlife while minimizing disturbance to the animals.
Wali Baï demonstrates that conservation does not depend solely on efforts carried out within protected areas. It can also be built together with communities living alongside them, when local people are involved in protecting and promoting the value of natural resources.
Wali Baï therefore provides a concrete example of how community engagement, tourism and conservation can reinforce one another, benefiting both local communities and wildlife.
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