Customs and traditional management practices of coastal marine natural resources in Lower Casamance: Perspectives of valorisation of endogenous knowledge

In southern Senegal, specifically in Lower Casamance, many marine and coastal resources are of significant sociological importance for Jola populations. They are essential both for worship and for sustenance. Thus, through different customs and practices, the Jola helps to preserve their natural environment, even if their primary motivations were hardly conservation. Perceptions, beliefs, and avoidance practices with regard to different types of places and resources decreed sacred, as well as the symbolism of certain animal or plant resources, indicate the very identity of the people. However, with respect to these sociocultural customs and practices, some are specifically aimed at preserving certain resources for economic and ecological interests. This article proposes an analysis of the contribution of Jola traditions and practices in the conservation of marine and coastal resources. To this end, the methodological approach was based on the principles, methods and tools of the participatory approach. It combined an empirical and participatory approach through semi-structured interviews and observations on the ground.   Key words: Customs, ecological practices, marine coastal natural resources, Lower Casamance, endogenous knowledge.