The governments of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Mali have decided to collaborate in the management of two Ramsar Sites that extend along the banks of the Sourou River. The Sourou Valley is one of the most important wetlands shared by the two countries.

The Sourou Valley thus becomes the fourth “cross-border Ramsar site” in Africa. It has a total area of over 77,000 hectares and includes, in Burkina Faso, the Sourou Valley (Ramsar Site No. 1885, area of 21,157 ha) and in Mali, the Sourou Floodplain (Ramsar Site No. 2128, an area of 56,500 ha).

The region is covered by Sudanian savannah vegetation with an endangered plant species the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) and animal species such as the hippopotamus, the European turtledove (Streptopelia turtur) and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The site is also home to a large population of waterbirds.

Since the colonial era, the natural ecosystems associated with the Sourou River have attracted the attention of governments in both countries, which seek to improve agricultural production in order to reduce food insecurity in neighboring communities. Sourou is one of the largest bodies of water in the region. It reconstitutes groundwater and stabilizes the temperature, which makes it possible to plant crops. An assessment of the natural resources of the valley conducted by IUCN in 2010 raised awareness among stakeholders about its economic value and influenced relevant plans and policies as well as the conservation of its natural ecosystems.

The Secretariat is extremely pleased to congratulate the governments of Burkina Faso and the Republic of Mali and wishes them every success in the joint management and conservation of the transboundary Ramsar site in the Sourou Valley.