This is a presentation made on behalf of the fishermen of Mangagoulack. Ria Casamance is an estuarine ecosystem, with rich fisheries, mangroves and traditional rice cultivation supporting a rural community of Mangagoulack comprising of 8 villages and 12,000 people. Concerned about the deteriorating environment, the local fishermen created an association and took action in a number of ways of which one is the setting up of their own community conserved area. Kawamana translates to “Our local heritage to be preserved by us all”. The system has three zones, each with specific rules. After due process, a ceremony in July 2010 set the ICCA officially in place. Some of the lessons learnt are that local conserved areas are a felt need of the community; and for outsiders to respect such areas, there is need for official recognition.