Analysis of the dynamics of mangrove exploitation in the estuary of Sonfonia, Guinea

Mangroves, tropical forests typically found along coastlines and tidal rivers, play a vital role in conserving biodiversity. They are crucial feeding and nursery areas for many aquatic species. The objective of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the mangrove of Sonfonia between 2013 and 2023 and to identify the factors contributing to its degradation in order to implement a sustainable management strategy. The methodology adopted was as follows: a survey of mangrove users to better understand the causes of its degradation; then, a spatio-temporal mapping of the study area over ten years was carried out; finally, an in-depth analysis of the data collected was performed. The results reveal that human activities such as rice farming, urbanization, and logging are causing severe degradation of the mangrove of Sonfonia area. Fish habitats and nursery areas are being destroyed, leading to a decline in biodiversity and the migration of species to other areas. Between 2013 and 2023, mangrove forests lost 35% of their surface area, falling from 3,522.26 ha to 2,283.32 ha. At the same time, degraded areas increased by 759 ha, reaching 4,286.95 ha. The surface area of water channels decreased from 1,250.25 ha to 784.12 ha, while built-up areas increased by 431.69 ha, reaching 2,931.97 ha. The mudflat ecosystem also changed, increasing from 1,614.98 ha to 1,828.69 ha. If the unsustainable exploitation of the mangrove continues, the ecosystem of Sonfonia could be completely destroyed.