186 MAYUMBA nAtionAl pArk

186 MAYUMBA national park
mayumba
Phase Two Development
NATIONAL PARK
integrated town/park tourism
Rather than building new hotels in the park, the best strategy at Mayumba
is to renovate and build near town to enrich the community. Colorful,
upbeat modifications to existing hotels, restaurants, and the airport are
part of a proposed town “renaissance” to create a lively appearance, thus
generating support for the local economy. The park entry and tower are
proposed within walking distance of town rather than at the remote park
boundary. Visitors will be encouraged to visit town hotels and restaurants in turn, the town will celebrate the park and its globally significant wildlife.
Temporary tents and pavilions will provide for overnight stays in the park.
parc national de mayumba
The first tourists will come in organized groups for short trips to see
whales off the coast or Leatherback Turtles on Mayumba’s beach — one of
the most important nesting sites on Earth. It is proposed that the process
begin with a few well-planned tours at the height of the next turtle nesting
season and whale migration. Visitors will be enchanted by the friendly
atmosphere of Mayumba, similar to the warmth of a tropical resort (with
Caribbean-like charm after a proposed makeover).
DATE CREATED: 2002
marine AREA: 800 km2
land area: 60 km2
HABITATS: Beach, Dunes, Coastal Thickets,
Coastal Waters
province: Nyanga
NEAREST TOWN: Mayumba
STATUS: Proposed World Heritage Site,
Transboundary Park Proposed with Republic
of Congo’s Conkouati National Park
left: The great ancient Leatherback Turtle is the world’s largest turtle. Protection of Mayumba National
Park is critical for the survival of this endangered species, as the beach provides nesting habitat for
20-30% of the world’s remaining Leatherback females.
KEY Facts
far Left: The people of Mayumba are particularly friendly and welcoming.
MAYUMBA national park 187
Mayumba
The proposed plan for Mayumba is to incorporate park tourism into the life of the town as a means of revitalizing the local economy. Initial tourists will come to observe Leatherback Turtles on Mayumba’s beach, one of the two most significant Leatherback
nesting sites in the world.
Loutsiéni
Djoungou River
World-famous singer Annie Flore
Batchiellilys celebrates local Punu
culture in her recordings.
Several hotel structures can
be revived and rebuilt.
Local kids are eager and
curious, welcoming
everyone to Mayumba.
Ou
zi
bi
R
ive
r
The Safari Club is a good
place for tourists to begin
their adventure. Visitors
can take a boat across the
lagoon to the park.
The mission is important in
the fabric of town life.
Park Entrance
Ferry
R
ga
ban
i
h
c
to T
oad
The calm lagoon is
a perfect place for
visitors to sail.
MAYUMBA
The Mayumba town beach offers
a safe bathing opportunity on
Gabon’s otherwise wild coastline.
188 MAYUMBA national park
Conkouati National Park (Republic of Congo)
NDINDI
Louzibi
MAYUMBA
National Park
Mayumba’s Marine
Attractions
Sea turtles and whales attract tourists
r
Sea turtles — including significant numbers of Leatherback Turtles —
plus whales and rays will draw visitors to Mayumba. Proper planning is
necessary to provide rewards for both tourists and community members.
N
Olive Ridley Turtles nest at
Mayumba, primarily on the Park’s far
southern beaches.
Mayumba is the best place in Africa
to see Leatherback Turtles. Nesting
peaks December – February.
Regular service to the airport
will resume as tourism gets
established, but the airport needs
a more welcoming appearance
to help create a destination for
visitors.
The best Humpback Whale watching
locations tend to be several
kilometers offshore. Observation
requires a safe ocean boat and welltrained staff.
The ferry provides regular
transport to the mainland.
Unlike many potential ecotourism sites in Gabon, Mayumba already has
much infrastructure, some that can be modified comparatively easily.
An airport, ferry service, hotels, restaurants, and other infrastructure already
exist but many are in poor condition and need rejuvenation. Rather than
simply repainting and repairing, it is proposed that the town aggressively
recreate itself as a playful resort. It could be Africa’s version of a Caribbean
ocean resort community, but employing local African traditions to create a
new kind of seaside community that celebrates its great park and wildlife.
Such an ambitious plan would need full community participation in tandem
with a carefully orchestrated plan to introduce organized tours. Mayumba’s
welcoming community will be a major component for success.
Turtle tourists should first arrive in chartered tours during the
November to April nesting season. With a plan that includes carefully
orchestrated tour activities, guide training, inspired food and lodges, and
tourism promotion, Mayumba can become the best place in Africa for
turtle-watching within a decade. Once turtle tourism begins, the next
draw to Mayumba is likely to be whale watching, which requires expensive
ocean-going boats and highly-trained staff. Whale tourism also requires
careful planning and organization.
Expatriates in Libreville can serve as the ideal trial audience, because they
represent the international market but are already in Gabon. After turtle
and whale tourism are established, the other expected audience would be
expatriates and tourists who desire long weekends for swimming, fishing,
and beach activities. This group will stay in town longer, use restaurants
often, shop in town, and want to use the north swimming beach. Some will
sport fish in the Banio Lagoon, and some may want to view turtles or take
trips inland to look for gorillas, mandrills, and elephants. These self-guided
audiences will require frequent, regular flights to Libreville (more often
than once per week) to accomodate a three-day stay.
Many people on holiday enjoy
fishing. Catch-and-release fishing
is becoming more common.
Existing restaurants can be
rejuvenated.
MAYUMBA national park 189
Mayumba
Banio Lagoon
Marine Tourism — Valuable to Gabon
whale watching as a viable option
Whale watching is a viable business in many nations, including South Africa
and America. Gabon’s Humpback Whale migration is remarkably large,
offering considerable potential to develop a whale tourism industry, like
South Africa’s, at Mayumba and Loango National Parks and around Port
Gentil.
The global whale-watching industry has been significantly expanding
since the 1990s. In 1998, tourists spent an estimated 1,05 billion USD
on whale watching activities worldwide, and $1.6 billion in 2003.
As a whole, whale watching has increased by over 50% between 1998 and
2003. This growth has continued in recent years. (IFAW/UNEP’s report,
“Whale Watching 2001”, can be found at www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/
default.aspx?oid=95263). In 2003, the number of whale watching tourists
was estimated at 13 million world-wide, and this activity generated 18,000
jobs.
Acquiring and maintaining a fast, safe
ocean-going boat is a major expense but
necessary for whale tourism. For such ocean
tourism to succeed, staff must be knowledgeable
— to interpret scientific information for guests
and to understand boat engines and water
safety. A tourist wants to have fun with their
guides and feel safe. Above, WCS patron Edith
McBean enjoys an offshore trip.
Whale tourism is a specialty business, requiring considerably more invest­
ment than turtle tourism. Whale watching requires capital invest­ment for
sturdy ocean-going boats, good moorings and mechanics, and experienced
boat staff. Well-trained ecoguides are critical to impart information and
a sense of excitement on every tour — even on a day when no whales can
be found. The highest international standards for whale watching must be
followed, and Gabon needs its own national legislation.
Other charismatic animals, including large groups of Bottlenose Dolphins
and Common Dolphins can frequently be seen at Mayumba. Reports
of Manta Ray aggregations further enhance Mayumba’s potential for marine
tourism.
Breaching Humpback Whales are seen frequently during the season and offer spectacular sightings.
Mayumba National Park is critical for protecting many threatened marine species.
190 MAYUMBA national park
Near the Hawaiian islands of the US, one can
have the astonishing experience of scuba diving
near a large Manta Ray. Aggregates of Manta
Rays occur in Mayumba from June to September,
but no one yet understands the rays’ biology or
their feasibility for tourism. Year-round studies are
needed.
expanding tourist seasons
MAYUMBA ANNUAL TURTLE AND WHALE CALENDAR
Leatherback Turtles’ presence peaks Dec - Feb and Humpback Whales in Jul - Sept.
year-round nature experiences at mayumba
HIGH
Visitors will have other wildlife experiences to explore at Mayumba. Future
tourism can explore sport fishing, even specialty activities like night fishing.
Others possibilities include diving with groups of rays or taking boat trips
across the lagoon with local guides to find gorillas, elephants, and mandrills
in the forest. The July/August oyster season offers a culinary experience
for visitors — delicious fresh oysters can be enjoyed at a restaurant in town
or a celebratory barbeque on the beach. Visitors can even join divers as they
forage for oysters 3 meters down in the sand. And thrilling chance events
may occur at Mayumba, such as a sighting of the rare Atlantic Humpback
Dolphin (occasionally found in park waters).
MEDIUM
LOW
0
nov
dec
jan
Some visitors will want to play in the surf or just relax on the beach.
feb
mar
apr
may
jun
jul
aug
sept
oct
Active visitors will enjoy exploring the Mayumba lagoon in safe kayaks (as at Loango lagoons), with one
trained ecoguide per six visitors.
In the future, night fishing (catch-and-release only) and looking quietly for crocodiles in the lagoon will
be alternative activities — important for attracting tourists and filling hotel rooms between the two main
seasons for turtles and whales.
MAYUMBA national park 191
Mayumba
Initial tourism will occur in well-organized groups to see the phenomenon
of Leatherback Turtles nesting on the beach, which peaks from December
to February. Subsequent tourism will follow for Humpback Whale
migrations from June to October (when Manta Rays also frequent
Mayumba). It is critical that turtle and whale experts are involved in the
first tours, to ensure creation of a powerful visitor experience. For business
viability, it is also important to keep staff and boats busy in the off-season,
so that other kinds of wildlife-viewing and sports like fishing will become
important year-round. The best advertisement is word-of-mouth from
happy visitors who experienced adventure and learning in Mayumba.
Turtle Tourism is Valuable to Gabon
International economic studies by the World Wildlife Fund have indicated that a
turtle is many times more valuable for tourism than for its meat or eggs alone. For
Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, sea turtle tourism has been a main force in
the local economy. Turtles attract an average of 32,854 people a year. The industry
involves an estimated 265 jobs and generates an estimated annual revenue of $6.7
million USD (includes lodging, services, souvenir sales, park fees, and tour fees).
As home to four species of sea turtles, Gabon will benefit by protecting the lives of
turtles.
Gabon can learn from others to plan turtle tourism. It must benefit all four
constituents: Mayumba citizens and tourists (who may arrive with expectations
that are too high), travel operators and, of course, the turtles.
guidelines for turtle protection
things to do:
things not to do:
use red lights on the beach.
Turtles use ambient light to navigate their way back into the ocean.
Bright lights on the beach can lead to strandings and death of these
valuable creatures. However, low red light does not cause significant
disturbance, so red plastic should cover flashlights. Once the turtle begins
to lay she is not bothered by mild activity — but flash photography can
deter other females that are coming ashore.
do not eat turtle eggs or meat.
With global sea turtle populations declining due to turtle harvesting and
coastal and offshore fishing by-catch, every egg is critical to maintain
the population. No turtles means no turtle tourists.
use downlights. Lights on buildings near turtle nesting beaches need to point down to
show people where to step, not point out over the beach where they
can disorient turtles finding their way home.
train ecoguides. Local people should be trained to explain turtle biology in fun ways and
to show visitors how to safely get close to turtles. Tourists like to have
nature interpreted for them by an enthusiastic local specialist. Tours
will need a regular guide meeting place and an established guide fee and
tipping system. A management plan is needed to assist guides.
left: The BBC cites the
economics of turtle
tourism. The WWF paper
reported on by the BBC
is called “Money Talks:
Economic Aspects of
Marine Turtle Use and
Conservation.” It can be
found online at http://
assets.panda.org/
downloads/
moneytalks.pdf
enforce building setbacks. Construction too close to the turtle beaches sheds white light on the
beach that disturbs turtles. Building back from the beach ensures both
panoramic views and turtle safety.
clear beaches. Debris and logs block turtles from getting
to the dry upper beach to lay their eggs.
The logs can trap adult and baby turtles Leatherbacks can’t back up!
celebrate turtles! Make turtle season at Mayumba a
celebration of THE place in Africa to see these
great marine turtles — a source of local pride.
develop turtle-friendly methods of fishing.
Long-line and trawler fishing activities can kill turtles — in fact, they are
the major cause of the current decline in global sea turtle populations.
A TED (turtle exclusion device) can lessen turtle by-catch for trawling,
and circle hooks (rather than j hooks) are best for long-line fishing.
Protecting turtles needs to be a national policy.
above: Chiriqui Beach in Panama brings in thousands of turtle watchers. As the Leatherback Turtle
capital of Africa, Gabon can draw thousands of tourists (and dollars) as well!
192 MAYUMBA national park
do not drive on the beach.
Keeping vehicles off the beach is crucial during turtle nesting and
hatching season, especially at night. Tires easily crush baby turtles and
bright headlights can disorient both adult turtles and hatchlings.
do not throw trash in the ocean.
Trash in the ocean harms turtles worldwide. The stomach of a sea turtle
found stranded in the UK reportedly contained a black bin liner, an
American chicken wrapper, and a Spanish sauce packet. Specifically,
plastic bags pose great danger, as Leatherback Turtles eat clear
jellyfish. When they mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, turtles die from
clogged intestines.
let’s protect turtles to
protect future natural and
economic benefits!
Leatherback Capital of Africa
Leatherback Turtle Nesting Populations
globally important for turtles and tourism
Worldwide numbers of Leatherback Turtles
are plummeting as they become trapped in
the nets of trawlers and long-line fishing
operations. Additionally, they are hunted for
meat and eggs.
Healthy sea turtles are worth significant
tourism dollars, and Mayumba needs to
make changes to take advantage of potential
economic gains. Mayumba has the opportunity
to be one of the best places on Earth to see
great Leatherback mothers laying their eggs or
tiny hatchlings later entering the water.
Gabon hosts thousands of nesting female Leatherback Turtles each year,
possibly as much as 30% of the entire global population — and a majority
of these turtles nest at Mayumba. Few places in the world, and nowhere
else in Africa, can boast such a high number of visits from this magnificent
species. Mayumba’s beaches are critical for Leatherback conservation, and
hence a lure for nature-based tourism.
PONGARA
300 – 500
IGUELA-GAMBA
100 – 200
mayumba
4,000 - 5,000
Mexico: < 250
U.S. Virgin Islands:
up to 55
Trinidad/Tobago:
1,800 - 2,000
Carribean Costa
Rica/Panama:
1,200 - 2,500
French Guiana/Suriname:
2,500 - 7,500
Numbers indicate estimated numbers of Leatherback Turtles nesting per season.
Beach area is variable. (Numbers based on Troëng et al 2004).
Gabon
4,000–6,000
Leatherback Turtles are the world’s largest turtles — sometimes measuring
over 2 meters long. The global Leatherback Turtle population is in danger,
having dropped 90% in 20 years as a result of offshore trawling operations,
fishing nets and longline fishing, hunting and beach disturbance. As the
Leatherback Turtle numbers decline, Gabon’s protected beaches from
Pongara to Mayumba — and protected underwater shallows at Akanda
National Park where turtles feed — are increasingly important to the world,
and to turtle watchers. The greatest opportunity in Africa for tourists to
see Leatherback turtles is at Mayumba, where approximately 30,000 nests
were laid in just one season (1999/2000). Females nest several times each
season, and very recently Mathew Witt estimated that over 40,000 female
Leatherback turtles come every year to breed in Gabon; 79% of the nests
are in protected areas. The Gabonese Leatherback population is definitely
the largest remaing in the world.
lifecycle of the leatherback turtle
Upon hatching, tiny Leatherback Turtles* dig
up through the beach sand and scamper to
the ocean where they stay offshore for years,
feeding on jellyfish and other marine species.
In the “lost years” (early in their life) the turtles
are at sea, but we don’t yet know exactly where.
When they reach adult breeding age (about
10–13 years), they copulate in the water and
the female leaves the ocean to nest - often on
the beach where she herself hatched.
Unless caught by trawlers or long-line
fishermen, she returns to her nesting site
every two to four years to lay eggs. Navigation
mechanisms are not clearly understood, but
it is known that female Leatherbacks travel
more than 15,000 km in their annual migration
between nesting and feeding grounds, which
are not clearly identified. Much more research
is needed to understand and protect these
turtles.
*While many hatch, few survive. Experts guess
that 1 in 1000 make it to adulthood.
lost years
mature
mate
above: A Leatherback Turtle laying her eggs — a
sight that draws tourists.
enter sea
return
lay eggs
LEFT: Three other species of sea turtles
appear in Gabon: Green Turtle, Hawksbill,
and Olive Ridley. Mayumba’s beach hosts
nesting females of these species as well. And
Gabon’s coastal waters provide important
feeding and developmental habitat for Green
Turtles and Hawksbills. We must protect all
of Gabon’s beautiful sea turtles if we are to
entice tourists.
MAYUMBA national park 193
Mayumba
Global distributions of Leatherback Turtle
are not fully understood, but it is known that
the 850 km coast of Gabon is critical to the
survival of the species. The world’s two major
Leatherback nesting sites are the beaches
of French Guiana/Suriname (combined) and
southern Gabon. Mayumba hosts the greatest
number of Leatherbacks in Gabon.
Town and National Park Benefit
How will
Mayumba
National Park
and its great empty
beach help local
residents and
their families?
Seven tactics are proposed to maximize integration of the park into the
life of Mayumba town, as a way to revitalize the local economy, and also
create a satisfying experience for tourists. Visitors will be encouraged to visit
town businesses. In turn the town will celebrate the park and its globally
significant wildlife.
1
Move Park Entry. Rather than locating the entry away from town at the official park boundary
(almost 20 km from town, over one hour by vehicle), extend the buffer zone or develop a recreation
zone and site the park entry and tower closer to town, just past the airport. Proximity benefits vistors,
staff, and townspeople. At the entry, visitors will pay park fees, get maps and info, and climb the tower
for beautiful vistas. An interpretive center in Mayumba town will further integrate tourism.
5
Create Wildlife Crafts. Crafts provide
extra income for local artists. Themed
functional objects, such as wooden salad bowls
shaped like sea turtles, are ideal for tourists.
Crafts can be made year round to support the
high season.
2
6
Hire Mayumba’s People. Community
economic support pertains to hiring
Mayumba locals and bringing new staff from
elsewhere in Gabon. Ecoguides, wardens, and
other staff can live in Mayumba town with their
families without having to live in the park,
isolated from the community. These employees
can rent or buy housing and do their shopping
in town, thereby helping the local economy.
3
4
Revitalize Mayumba. Except for the
existing Safari Club, all hotels and
restaurants should be located in or close to
town to help revitalize Mayumba and provide
necessary support for the local economy.
A festive makeover for existing buildings
is proposed.
194 MAYUMBA national park
Plan the Future. Town leaders and park
staff together must discuss ways to jointly
support each other if a true Mayumba makeover
is desired. To lure tourism and create an
economic revival, a long-term plan with specific
annual targets is needed. At left, WCS’s Dr.
Richard Parnell works closely with local officials
and townspeople to chart the best course for the
new park at Mayumba.
7
Enlarge Fish Populations. Underwater
areas near Mayumba provide fish and
shellfish breeding grounds. Summertime oyster
celebrations can take place in the park, with a
sustainable harvest by local people.
vision
Get Creative. As indicated by the
annual boat race at right, Mayumba
has the imagination and spirit to fix up the
town but with a flair — more than merely
repainting buidings. This town makeover
idea is based on success elsewhere. Another
tourism-seeking town, Copan in Honduras,
is repaving all its streets with old-fashioned
stones and adding “antique” lights. In the
19th Century, the Mahrajah of Jaipur, India
painted his entire city in pinkish tones. How
Mayumba refreshes for tourism will come from
communal planning, creativity, and celebration
of Mayumba’s unique resources.
3 Nautical Miles
Artisanal Fishing Only
6 Nautical Miles
National Fishing Only
Mayumba town
Multiple hotels and
restaurants aready exist
in the town of Mayumba.
Airport
Regular ferry service connects
Mayumba to the mainland.
Mayumba National Park
development to integrate tourism in park
and town
lodge renovation
c
c
The proposed site for a park entry and visitor
center is close to town, so that park activity
becomes part of the community.
c
Bu
whale tourism
Boats based in Mayumba town can take
tourists out to see migrating whales in
and around this marine park.
proposed Camping sites
M
ax
im
R
um
rb
ion
si
te
5
ffe km
rZ
on
e
g
To support the town, hotels in Mayumba should be renovated. The best
place for a new hotel is not within the park itself, but in the shallow lagoon
north of town opposite the bathing beach. Building hotels deep within the
Park will only minimally benefit the town.
s
Bu
in
it
st
Lim
ne
al
e
at
rtl
rn
tu
te
k
In
ac
s–
Visitor orientation and collection of entry fees take place at the tower, but
the main park interpretive center will be located in Mayumba town, helping
bring tourism to the town. The park entry tower would be good landmark
for visitors to meet their trained ecoguides for supervised interpretive trips to
the beach to see turtles at night.
he
ile
Semi-permanent campsites could
be nestled in the trees near existing
camps, which are used by scientists
for turtle research.
c
at
lM
Le
Rare humpback dolphins inhabit the
inshore waters of Mayumba.
of
ica
ity
ut
ns
Na
Humpback Dolphins
de
12
Mayumba National Park is one of Africa’s first marine parks, created
to protect one of the world’s most important Leatherback Turtle nesting
sites, as well as the undersea feeding and breeding grounds for a multitude
of fishes and whales. To optimize integration of park and town — for the
long-term benefit of both — it is proposed that the visitor entry be moved
15.5 km from the official park boundary to the edge of town, to be within
walking distance for staff and unhurried visitors. Guides and other park staff
can live in town and be part of the local community. The buffer zone for the
northwest side of the park would be extended to this location, as mapped
here. As an alternative, a recreation zone can be created here for picnics and
possible camping. The isthmus is also narrowest here, which maximizes
protective observation from the park tower.
new Park Entry
5
ffe km
rZ
on
e
The airport needs cosmetic
work to get ready for tourism
at Mayumba.
An old safari lodge just outside of
town is currently being renovated.
R
c P
Whale Migration Route
Marine Park
Conkouati Park
Conkouati Park in Congo
adjoins Mayumba at the
international border.
The people of Mayumba are already proud of their great marine park.
M
Ri axim
dl
ey um
tu de
rtl n
e sit
ne y
st of
in Ol
g s iv
ite e
s
KEY
Gabon Parks (1)
airstrip
Park Area
Village ZONE (3)
Park Infrastructure
Village zone
(1A)
Off limits zone (4)
Entry
NO GO zone
Office
Buffer
research
H
Transportation
Concessionaire Zone (2)
CONCESSION
minor road
Major road
h Proposed hotel site
unimproved
Proposed Hotel
H (Site to be Found)
Existing
hotel
C
c Proposed Camp site
Existing camp site
c
P
BUFFER ZONE (5)
Patrol
Airstrip
R
c
Proposed Road
Trail
N
Proposed TRAIL
Train
Train Station
0
5
10
Km
15
20
MAYUMBA national park 195
Mayumba
H
HH
H H
eop
Ferry
Initiating Tourism
turtle Tourism to begin
It is predicted that sea turtle tourism will begin if several organized tour
groups are recruited, probably beginning with the expatriate community
in Libreville. Tours should be well-organized and accompanied by
knowledgeable scientists who can guide the group (local guides-in-training
should assist). Friday afternoon chartered air travel might be followed by
Saturday activities with an afternoon barbecue on the beach including a
scientist/interpreter’s presentation that explains what to expect. A cloudy
night at peak season is best for turtle viewing. After a supervised and wellguided night on the beach to see nesting turtles, visitors would retire to
their tents. Sunday morning they would return to the hotel for lunch before
departure. A positive experience is critical — a clean comfortable hotel, good
food, organized transportation — all rehearsed in advance. It is desirable to
invite (and have travel companies and airlines pay for) international press,
but only after the first several weekends run smoothly.
Whale Tourism to Follow
Few wildlife experiences are as exciting as being in a small boat when an
enormous whale crashes into the sea in close proximity. It is the moment of a
lifetime. As such, it will become a seasonal draw for tourists to Mayumba each
June to October, when Humpback Whales visit Gabon as they migrate along
the Atlantic coast to calve, nurse, and breed. Active females and calves stay close
to shore, and groups are found further out in the water.
Whale tourism is dependent on five elements: well-known whale seasons
(currently being discovered by scientists), sturdy ocean-going boats, staff
trained in boat safety and whale biology, hotel and transit infrastructure
to accommodate tourists, and good publicity. The best whale tourism
business includes knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff and good boats that
are carefully maintained to be safe and reliable. Because of a higher capital
expense, whale tourism will undoubtedly come later than turtle tourism.
how can tourism begin here?
create a weekend package: Plan for a trial group to come
from Libreville. The weekend might begin with an elegant seafood feast
and researcher’s presentation in town on Friday night. Saturday night is for
observing turtles on the beach. Use scientific information to scout
for nest sites.
involve the travel industry: Before the weekend, bring
travel agents from Libreville to discuss travel packages and logistics of
charter flights, airport pickup, review hotel amenities, menus, agendas, etc.
in advance.
get hotel ready: Go to Mayumba with
Libreville travel agents to select the best hotel. Conduct
an inspection of each room to identify repairs needed
and to check cleanliness, as well as menus and dining
options. Conduct a thorough review and expect
problems — allow time to make changes and follow up.
rehearse: Create a 30-hour, full-scale dress rehearsal, including
logistics of airport pickup, hotels, dining, visits to the beach at night with
researchers, speeches, and putting tents up on the beach. Have local people
role-play as tourists and give feedback, to gain local perspective and identify
problems.
recruit friends of gabon: Invite influential Gabonese,
and one or two local reporters to sign up well in advance for the initial
organized trips. Create real dates for tour packages, on optimal turtle
nesting nights, and give complimentary tours to reporters. Make each trip
a party.
use tents on the beach: Use tents, along with windscreens
and lightscreens. On “turtle night” have a beach barbecue,
with a scientist’s presentation on how we
can respect turtles on the beach.
follow up: Talk to people in Libre­
ville about how the experience was perceived
and get suggestions for improve­ments.
invite press: Once the tours are going
smoothly, invite well-known international press
and photographers to join the groups. Set up
international packages to expand the market for
Mayumba’s turtle tourism.
196 MAYUMBA national park
Colorful Makeover
for Mayumba
cape town
new designs Inspired by other tourist
destinations and local african traditions
Mayumba is an extremely friendly town, but the buildings appear worn
and somber. One rejuvenation idea is to recreate Mayumba as a vivacious,
colorful place. A makeover will create an atmosphere similar to the brightly
colored tourist towns of the Caribbean and Capetown — but incorporate
designs inspired by Gabon’s own exuberant and sensuous everyday culture.
images above: Caribbean resorts and other
places in the tropics are renowned for bright
pastel architecture combinations, which impart
a festive air to attract tourists and to please local
citizens. Muizenberg and the Bo-Kaap District of
Capetown are known for bright colors. Imagine
community contests at Mayumba for the most
handsome colors, or those that reflect the best
marine themes.
cape town
cape town
cape town
Mayumba
carribean
Yes, most of the paying guests will come for wildlife viewing and beach
activities. What tourists will most strongly remember, however, is their
overall experience. Whether the local people were friendly, what the park and
town were like, and whether visitors felt they were getting their money’s
worth are the defining parts of a nice vacation. A good experience also
includes the timing and quality of transportation, food service (food must be
fresh), and comfort in one’s hotel. People will strongly remember going to
a brightly-painted, well-maintained town — the more whimsical the better.
The fun stories they tell to friends will be Gabon’s best marketing.
gabon
vision
vision
Right: Inspiration in painting the town
could come from Africa’s traditional enjoyment of
bright colors and designs for fabrics.
Somber buildings are currently a feature of Mayumba. Repair and repainting are necessary to welcome
visitors. While doing repairs, why not repaint in bright colors and uplifting patterns that imply “fun.”
vision
vision
vision
current
MAYUMBA national park 197
Building New with the Same Flair
vision
colorful designs and “green” architecture
In addition to rejuvenating existing hotels and restaurants, additional
new architecture is important for Mayumba. A “Lagoon Lodge” is
proposed at the best swimming area in the north beach. In the protective
shallow waters of the lagoon north of town, hotel rooms on stilts can
be constructed using “turtlewood” salvaged from the beach. Solar and
wind power contribute to the lodge’s ecological sustainability. No air
conditioning is necessary, as natural ventilation and air circulation will keep
interiors comfortable.
right: One possibility for tourist infrastructure at
Mayumba is a “Lagoon Lodge” within walking
distance from town. For this type of infrastructure,
care would be taken to not disturb oyster beds.
LEFT: Fans catch natural breezes to generate
electricity.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Temporary camps for “turtle
nights” on the beach. Tents for late night turtle
watches could be influenced by African fabrics.
Such details contribute to the special quality of a
visitor’s experience…uniquely Mayumba.
WCS & cresolus
vision
Lagoon Lodge’s hotel rooms are designed to
use solar and wind power, as well as recycled
turtlewood to capture the exuberance of the
new Mayumba with ecologically-sustainable
construction.
Curved walls will function as light shields on
the beach, to protect turtles from the light of fires
on the beach at night. When reinforcing
a message of caring for nature, every detail
should be attended to.
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198 MAYUMBA national park
vision
WCS & cresolus
current
To attract the world’s attention
A strategic makeover is proposed to begin a town rejuvenation as an
integral part of developing Mayumba’s marine tourism. Much of
Mayumba’s architecture can be recycled by building extensions, repainting
and tiling with unusual colors, adding plantings to create comfortable
outdoor spaces (including pergolas and trees for shade) and making pools
and other outdoor activity areas. It is proposed that Mayumba’s existing
hotels, airport, restaurants, and even private houses be renovated for both
style and comfort, as well as sustainability. Caribbean towns with bright,
multicolored buildings might be a prototype for seaside Mayumba. Some
travelers have said the relaxed nature of the town already imparts a laid-back,
friendly Caribbean-like spirit. The rejuvenation of Mayumba could follow a
colorful, relaxed Caribbean theme, but use Gabon’s own rich tradition of
color to create a new African style — ideally integrating Mayumba’s special
sea turtles and whales. With a new appearance, the town of Mayumba will
look and feel refreshed.
vision
TOP: Hotels can be refreshed by planting trees, building pergolas for shade, and making comfortable
places to relax outdoors. A colorful renovation of existing hotel infrastructure is fairly easy to achieve.
MIDDLE: Mayumba’s airport and other buildings can begin rejuvenation with new paint and “green”
architecture. A vibrant turtle center here could welcome all to Africa’s Leatherback Turtle capital.
BOTTOM LEFT: A beach cleanup is critical to keep Mayumba’s beaches free of dangerous and unsightly
oil and debris. Pristine beaches attract visitors seeking relaxation.
WCS & cresolus
current
vision
BELOW: Open air designs and functional green elements like solar panels are cost effective and reinforce
Gabon’s ideas on sustainbility.
current
vision
WCS & cresolus
MAYUMBA national park 199
Mayumba
current
a renaissance for mayumba