Waza-Logone has been affected by the construction of a dam, reducing the flooding in 1500 km2. Annual grasses invaded productive perennial grasslands, reducing the carrying capacity for livestock, fisheries and wildlife. In 1994, after local consultations, a watercourse was re-opened. Perennial grasslands gradually recovered in 600 km2. Numbers of waterbirds increased two-fold; colonies of piscivorous birds were frequently destroyed, but others benefited from local communities' protection. Antelopes showed an increase that has not persisted because of competition with livestock which densities increased three-fold. There is a problem in the sharing of the reflooding benefits between wildlife and people that rapidly respond to new opportunities. A dialogue was institutionalised between protected area authorities and local