© Michael ViljoenThe presence of humans in this area dates back over 10,000 years to the Neolithic period. Mausoleums and hundreds of engravings and rock paintings bear testament to this continuity of human presence; their illustrations depicting wildlife and environmental variation through 16 different styles and three distinct eras of rock art.
Around 30,000 people legally live within or move through the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve every year, making our community work here of the upmost importance. In its contemporary setting, Ennedi hosts main semi-nomadic groups of herders who move their livestock through the Massif. The livelihoods of these groups, and the thousands of local inhabitants of the area and surrounding regions, are tied to the availability of water, pastures and other benefits emanating from this oasis. These local populations are important stakeholders in the conservation of Ennedi, and engagement with them is essential to secure its long-term protection.
Building a Constituency
Ennedi represents an important opportunity to promote community development. African Parks will be working alongside communities to integrate people in to the conservation of Ennedi, raising awareness around the reserve’s conservation value, and developing comprehensive environmental education programmes.
Income Generation Opportunities
The management unit of the reserve will be the largest employment provider in the region. Economic opportunities will continue to grow through the steady development of regulated tourism activities over the coming years. African Parks will initiate sustainable pastoral programmes and provide training to boost skills development with a view to encouraging conservation-led economic development.