Wetlands International West Coast Africa and Gulf of Guinea and its partners Woodside and PETROSEN (Sangomar Field Development Phase-1 2021-2023 Social Investment Partnership Program) signed an agreement in September 2021 to implement the pilot project: “Strengthening the Resilience of Mangrove-Dependent Communities in the Saloum Delta.“

Its objective was to improve community resilience by creating new business opportunities in the project areas and increasing their awareness of the impacts of climate change.

The PRC’s interventions affected four municipalities, namely Dionewar, Palmarin, Fimela, and Bassoul, and were built on a solid foundation of mangrove conservation and restoration in the Fatick region, given the critical importance of this ecosystem for the identified communities. It followed Wetlands International Africa’s approach, which combines on-the-ground restoration with alternative livelihoods and capacity development, using the Mangrove Conservation Savings and Credit Group (GECCOM) as a tool to develop a savings culture and finance local microenterprises.

In addition, the program promoted environmental education in schools and piloted energy shops and biogas production to meet energy needs impacting mangrove forests.

With more than convincing results, it was decided to proceed with phase II of the PRC to ensure the sustainability of the achievements. In addition to the four pilot municipalities, this second phase of the project will target two other municipalities, such as Toubacouta and Djirnda. They are part of the essential eco-geographical units covered by the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of Sangomar and Gandoul, the PNDS, and the RNC of Palmarin, representing a population of more than 55,829 inhabitants (ANSD 2019).

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