The continuous advance of the sea and the salinization of arable land have led to the abandonment of agricultural activities and the reduction of fishing activities. Its collapse has caused a significant emigration of men and youth from the island to other regions, increasing the work burden for women, who are left in charge of feeding, educating and providing health care for their families. The Tourist Welcome Office, a local initiative managed by a group of young people from Mar Lodj, aims to contribute to the reduction of youth unemployment and emigration in Mar Lodj based on sustainable tourism.

At Santander BEST Africa, with the collaboration of the NGOs PROSALUS and Enda Graf Sahel, we support the consolidation of the tourist welcome office and the training of twenty "eco-guides" who will offer travellers information on the cultural heritage and characteristics of the island's ecosystems.