This festival took place in two locations: Adéane and Goudomp, in Middle Casamance, Senegal. The association Les Amis des Arts de la Casamance in Ziguinchor, Senegal, organises this event every year. The focus on tourism and discovery, or responsible tourism, promotes the environment and traditional cultures.

The two host towns this year, Adéane (25 to 27 April 2025) and Goudomp-plage Badala (28 to 30 April 2025), are only 17 km apart. They share the Casamance River, a symbol of prosperity thanks to its flora and fauna.

With our eyes turned towards the river, water sports activities were organised, including a pirogue race in Adéane. To our great surprise, the sea mask appeared at the start of the festivities and at the end of the race. After the congratulations and the presentation of the trophies, all the rubbish was collected by a team of dynamic young people.

In Goudomp, Badala Beach, developed by the Goudomp Sama Gox association, was once a mangrove forest that has now disappeared. The canoe trip to Bird Island tells us its glorious history with miraculous catches, then its decline linked to its loss. This association aims to involve the people of Goudomp in rebuilding this fragile ecosystem in order to reduce poverty.

The development of inter-state tourism was on the agenda, namely Mali, Guinea Conakry and Côte d'Ivoire. The next step will be to mobilise stakeholders in responsible and sustainable tourism in Senegal.