Barrage de la Kompienga

Situated in the east of the country, the Site comprises a permanent freshwater lake, as well as human-made features including several irrigated land areas and a dam which is principally used for the production of hydroelectricity. The presence of the dam has allowed for diversification of income generating activities, to include fishing, and crop and livestock farming. The Site is also home to a variety of flora and fauna. Threatened animal species include hippopotamus, lion and black crowned crane. The site also hosts the vulnerable African mahogany Khaya senegalensis. It is known to support over 20,000 water birds; at least 7,000 waders and 15,000 from the Anatidae family have been recorded. The most frequent birds are Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, Phalacrocorax africanus, and Anatidae such as Dendrocygna viduata, Dendrocygna bicolor, Sarkidiornis melanotos and Plectropterus gambensis. Various threats affect the Site, including considerable erosion, declining fish yields, and increasing levels of eutrophication due to pollution from livestock and cotton cultivation. The fishery developed rapidly, following a strong demand for fresh fish linked to the growing needs in the big cities of Burkina Faso. This development led many fishers to set up around the lake. A management plan was drafted in 2005, but is not yet being implemented. Communication, education and awareness activities are carried out by the departments of water, forests and agriculture, and fisheries resources, village associations, and project stakeholders.

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