Senegal adds three new addresses to its mapping of community marine protected areas. The decree creating 3 more Community Marine Protected Areas in the country was made public on June 16, 2020. The texts were signed on May 27, 2020 by the President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall.
The community marine protected areas were created in Somone in the Mbour locality, Kaalolaal Blouf in Bignoma and Gorée, an island located in the bay of Dakar. The island encompasses the Gorée, Dakar-Plateau, Hann/Bel-Air, Thiaroye sur Mer, Mbao, and Rufisque) communes. “It is the culmination of an inclusive and participatory process that saw the collaboration of several territorial actors,” says Abdou Karim Sall, Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development of Senegal.
The decree signed by the Senegalese Head of State also extends the Gandoule Community Marine Protected Area. This is located in the rural community of Djirnda, in the Saloum Islands of Senegal.
With the new creations of Somone, Kaalolaal Blouf and Gorée, the country now has a total of 14 community marine protected areas.
The role of community marine protected areas
Senegal’s new Community Marine Protected Areas will contribute to the development of community initiatives to ensure sustainable management of fisheries and fish stocks. They will also serve to preserve and conserve the country’s animal and plant biodiversity. Currently, the preservation of fisheries resources in Senegal is a matter of concern to the fishing industry. Large trawlers very often invest in these marine sanctuaries to obtain supplies at lower cost, “with the complicity of the guardians of these natural areas”.
The spaces for the preservation of fishery resources will be managed by the communities. “A management committee will soon be set up, composed essentially of the communities. The government will also mobilize funds to ensure the protection of community marine protected areas”, Abdou Karim Sall, Senegalese Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development.
Inès Magoum