Johannesburg: SiltaNews – News Desk
In 2025, Senegal has emerged as a pivotal player in global conservation efforts, balancing international commitments with community-led initiatives. From signing landmark biodiversity treaties to protecting critical bird habitats, the country is weaving together ecological resilience and sustainable development.
In June 2025, Senegal signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. This treaty represents the first comprehensive global agreement in decades to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters. By joining, Senegal strengthens its commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the protection of migratory species vital to West Africa’s coastal ecosystems.
Senegal is home to more than 560 bird species, including nearly 250 migratory species. Djoudj National Park hosts the world’s third-largest bird wintering ground, while the Saloum Delta National Park shelters the largest Royal Tern breeding colony, with at least 40,000 pairs. Local communities are actively engaged in conservation, ensuring that habitat protection also supports livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable resource use.
Senegal remains a flagship country in Africa’s Great Green Wall project, aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of land across the Sahel. While ecological outcomes have been mixed due to funding shortfalls and low tree survival rates, Senegal has achieved social and economic benefits, including job creation and community empowerment. The initiative highlights the challenges of scaling restoration while maintaining ecological integrity.
Through the SOS Sahel project running from 2025 to 2027, Senegal is documenting and protecting sensitive savannah plants in ecosystems shared with Chad. This effort empowers community leaders to monitor biodiversity and manage resources sustainably, reinforcing regional cooperation in conservation.
Senegal also participates in the BIODEV2030 program, supported by IUCN and the French Development Agency. Workshops in Saly in late 2025 brought together government, private sector, and civil society to integrate biodiversity into productive practices. Innovative tools such as TerriStories role-playing simulations were used to highlight trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection.
Senegal’s conservation journey in 2025 reflects a dual commitment: advancing global biodiversity treaties while empowering local communities to protect ecosystems. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahel savannah, Senegal is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s conservation future, demonstrating how ecological protection can align with human development.