The Senegalese fishing community has expressed concerns about the effects of oil exploitation on their livelihoods and the coastal ecosystem. A meeting was held in Djifère, a coastal community in Senegal, to discuss the impacts of oil and gas exploitation, as well as coastal erosion. The meeting was organized by the local fishing council and Greenpeace Africa. Amadou Oumar Touré, Greenpeace Africa's "Oceans" campaign manager, stated that the initiative aims to gather concerns from coastal communities.
The meeting in Djifère is part of Greenpeace Africa's campaign to assess the impacts of oil and gas exploitation on Senegal's coastline. The campaign has already visited Saint-Louis, Lompoul, and Kayar. Touré highlighted the vulnerability of the Djifère area, which has been experiencing coastal erosion for several years. He also mentioned that the exploitation of oil and gas off the coast of Sangomar has affected fishing and fish processing activities.
Souleymane Thiaw, coordinator of the Djifère local fishing council, reported that fishermen have faced increasing difficulties since oil exploitation began off the coast of Sangomar. A 500-meter safety perimeter around the exploitation platform has been established, prohibiting access to fishing boats. Thiaw stated that this has made it impossible for fishermen to access their usual fishing grounds.
Local actors have also observed a decline in certain fish species that previously reproduced near the coast. Thiaw emphasized that this situation affects the entire fishing industry, including fishermen, fish traders, and women involved in fish processing. The lack of follow-up on commitments made during previous meetings with oil exploiters has also been deplored.
Cheikh Sadibou Diamé, the village chief of Djifère, stressed the issue of coastal erosion, which compounds the difficulties caused by oil exploitation. He called for the construction of a protective dike to halt the advancement of the sea. Diamé warned that if Djifère disappears, several other localities in the area, including Palmarin, Dionewar, and Niodior, will also be affected.
Greenpeace Africa plans to compile the information gathered during the meetings with fishing actors to develop an action plan incorporating solutions proposed by the communities. The organization intends to support the implementation of the selected activities in the concerned areas.
The fishing community's concerns will be addressed through a collaborative effort between local actors and Greenpeace Africa. The effects of oil exploitation on the fishing industry and coastal ecosystems will continue to be monitored.
Key points
- - The Senegalese fishing community is raising concerns about the impacts of oil exploitation on their livelihoods and coastal ecosystems. - A 500-meter safety perimeter around the oil exploitation platform has prohibited access to fishing boats. - Greenpeace Africa plans to develop an action plan incorporating solutions proposed by the communities to address the effects of oil exploitation.
