Alioune Ndoye, the Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition, recently emphasized the importance of making environmental information available to anticipate evolving trends and the socio-economic implications related to climate change. During the 2nd session of the High Council of Territorial Communities (HCCT) in 2023, Mr. Ndoye emphasized the need to establish a structured mechanism for exchanging information, producing, and analyzing data to effectively detect emerging phenomena that impact the environment and natural resources. This article explores the minister's recommendations on natural resource management and sustainable development, while highlighting the importance of continuous availability of environmental information to promote resilient and sustainable development in Senegal.
The need for environmental information to anticipate climate trends:
Alioune Ndoye emphasizes the crucial importance of having relevant and up-to-date environmental information to ensure sustainable development in Senegal. According to the minister, this information will help anticipate evolving climate trends and understand the resulting socio-economic impacts. He advocates for the establishment of a structured and dynamic mechanism for exchanging information, producing, and analyzing data to facilitate the detection of emerging phenomena that influence the state of the environment and natural resources.
Link between environmental information and sustainable development:
In the context of natural resource management, it is crucial to support and guide development policies and actions by ensuring the production and dissemination of relevant environmental information linked to social factors. This approach will enable a review of the Senegalese government's environmental and sustainable development program, taking into account the country's new resources. In addition to mining activities, it is also necessary to rehabilitate soils to promote the development of other sectors, particularly agriculture.
Natural resource management and quality of life:
During the second session of the HCCT focused on natural resource management and governance in Senegal, the minister emphasized that the new environmental legislation encompasses all issues related to the country's new resources. This approach aims to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, thereby promoting the economic and social development of the country through sustainable development.
Specific environmental concerns:
Alioune Ndoye also highlights specific environmental concerns in Senegal. Coastal erosion remains a major issue, with a coastline retreat of up to 2 meters per year in certain sensitive areas along the coast. Regarding urban air quality, Dakar stands out as the only city in Sub-Saharan Africa with an air quality monitoring network. The minister mentions the establishment of the Air Quality Management Center (CGQA), equipped with multiple pollution measurement stations covering different types of areas.
Alioune Ndoye's call for continuous availability of environmental information to anticipate climate trends and socio-economic implications is of utmost importance for sustainable development in Senegal. The effective management of natural resources and the living environment, taking into account the country's specific concerns, will contribute to charting a path towards sustainable development. The establishment of structured mechanisms for information exchange and data production is essential for the efficient management of natural resources and increased resilience to climate challenges. By adopting these approaches, Senegal can strive towards a sustainable and prosperous future.read more.
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