Djifère, Fatick - In a recent gathering, members of the local artisanal fishing council and Greenpeace Afrique raised concerns over the impact of oil exploitation on coastal communities. The meeting, part of Greenpeace's Oceans campaign, aimed to assess the effects of oil and gas exploitation on the region. According to Amadou Oumar Touré, Greenpeace Afrique's Oceans campaign manager, the team visited several coastal sites, including Saint-Louis, Lompoul, and Kayar, to witness firsthand the impacts of oil exploitation and coastal erosion.
The Djifère region, considered the economic hub of the Fatick region, is facing significant challenges due to oil exploitation. Touré highlighted the vulnerability of the area, where coastal erosion has been a longstanding issue. With oil exploitation commencing offshore at Sangomar, the situation has worsened, affecting fishing and fish processing activities, particularly for local women. The Greenpeace team plans to compile information from the meetings and develop an action plan to address the concerns of the local communities.
Souleymane Thiaw, coordinator of the Djifère local fishing council, expressed concerns over the impact of oil exploitation on the region. He stated that the establishment of a 500-meter security perimeter around the oil platform has made it impossible for fishermen to access their traditional fishing grounds. Thiaw also noted that certain fish species have disappeared since the installation of the oil platforms, leading to a scarcity of fish for local fishermen.
Local actors, including fishermen, fish traders, and women involved in fish processing, have reported feeling the impact of oil exploitation. They claim that despite numerous meetings with oil exploiters, their concerns have been ignored, and promises have not been fulfilled. The situation has led to widespread frustration among the local communities.
Cheikh Sadibou Diamé, the village chief of Djifère, emphasized the urgent need for a protective dike to combat coastal erosion. He warned that if Djifère disappears, several other localities in the region, including Palmarin, Dionewar, and Niodior, will also be affected. The local communities are calling for immediate action to mitigate the effects of oil exploitation and coastal erosion.
Greenpeace Afrique's Oceans campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. The team's visit to Djifère is part of a broader effort to engage with local communities and advocate for sustainable practices. The organization plans to work with local communities to implement activities that address their concerns and promote environmentally friendly practices.
The situation in Djifère highlights the need for a balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection. As the region continues to grapple with the effects of oil exploitation, local communities, and organizations like Greenpeace Afrique, are pushing for more sustainable and responsible practices that prioritize the well-being of both people and the environment.
Key points
- Local communities in Djifère are facing significant challenges due to oil exploitation, including loss of fishing grounds and coastal erosion.
- Greenpeace Afrique is working with local communities to raise awareness about the impact of oil exploitation and advocate for sustainable practices.
- The situation in Djifère highlights the need for a balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection.
