Lakes of Ounianga In Chad

Lakes of Ounianga - Chad

Short Report

The site contains eighteen contiguous lakes in the hyper arid Ennedi region of the Sahara desert covers an area of 62,808 ha. It is an exceptional natural landscape of great beauty with striking colors and shapes. The saline, hyper saline and freshwater lakes are fed by groundwater and are to be found in two groups 40 km from each other. Ounianga muslim el Kebir includes four lakes, the largest of which, Yoan, covers an area of 358 ha and is 27 m deep. The very salty waters can only maintain algae and certain micro-organisms. The second group, Ounianga Serir, consists of fourteen lakes separated by sand dunes. Floating reeds cover almost half of the surface of these lakes less evaporation. 436 Ha, More Teli has the greatest surface area but is less than 10 m deep. With their high quality freshwater, some of these lakes are home to aquatic fauna, in particular fish.

Wonderful Universal Importance

Located in the north-east -Chad, in a warm and hyperarid desert setting with less than 2mm precipitation per year, the Lakes of Ounianga consists of a total of 18 lakes, in two groups, in which a large number of different sizes, depths, v} }r and chemical compositions. The property covers 62,808 hectares and has a 4,869 ha buffer zone. The Lakes of Ounianga accommodation is located in a sink that is less than 10,000 years ago, was occupied by a much larger lake and has a globally unique hydrological system, preserving the largest permanent freshwater lakes in the heart of a hyperarid environment.

The complex also includes a number of striking appearance, with varied coloration associated with the various lakes and their vegetation and the presence of dramatic natural desert landforms that all contribute to the outstanding natural beauty of the landscape of the property. The form and the distribution of the lakes, combined with the effect of the wind moves the floating vegetation in the lakes, gives the impression of 'waves of ingress of water in the desert'.

The property is an exceptional example of permanent lakes in a desert setting, a remarkable natural phenomenon resulting from an aquifer and its complex hydrological system is still not completely understood. The aesthetic beauty of the own results from a landscape mosaic includes the varied colored lakes with their blue, green and /or reddish water, depending on their chemical composition, surrounded by palm trees, dunes and spectacular sandstone landforms, all this in the heart of the desert stretches for thousands of kilometers. In addition, approximately one-third of the surface of the Ounianga Serir Lakes is covered with floating reed carpets that intense green color contrasts with the blue open water. Rock exposures which dominate the site offer a breathtaking view of the lakes, with the color contrast with the brown dunes separated by rocks structures. The form and the distribution of the lakes, combined with the effect of the wind moves the floating vegetation in the lakes, gives the impression of 'waves of ingress of water in the desert'.

The boundries of the 62,808 ha property are designed to ensure that the integrity. The property includes the area is lower than the 450 m contour line within the immediate more turning point. The 4,869 ha buffer zone includes the village of Ounianga muslim el Kebir alongside More Yoan. Zoning for the management of the site will take into account the pressure that now focus on more Yoan. Ounianga Serir, the smallest village (population of c. 1,000 In 2012) is in addition to the more Teli, inside the property. The hydrological system of the Lakes of Ounianga works and the water level is stable apart from a slight seasonal variation, thanks to a groundwater supply that compensates for evaporation losses.

The beauty and aesthetic values of the property are well preserved. Although there are a good number of people around lakes Yoan and Teli, local initiatives are the guaranteed compatibility between human activities and the maintenance of the site. Planned activities in the context of the management plan strengthen and complement to these initiatives. In addition to the recently adopted Decree No 095 which is aimed at preserving the traditional farming practices in the building in place of intensive agriculture provides for a strengthening of the preservation of the property.

Source:whc/unesco