Bay of Hann: groups unite to influence cleanup efforts
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Community groups in Senegal are organizing to improve environmental cleanup work in the Bay of Hann.
Residents near the bay want the area restored, and several organizations have begun local initiatives to protect the environment. However, these groups were previously fragmented, hindering their ability to advocate for shared interests and engage with authorities. In July, a project called “Disso ci baie bi” began working to unite these organizations.
By September, they had established local offices in municipalities bordering the bay, and now an assembly will help consolidate these efforts. Aïssatou Sy of the NGO Gret explained that the groups’ previous dispersal weakened their position. Through this new collective, the organizations aim to gain visibility, strengthen their legitimacy, and better communicate their needs to government officials. The “Disso ci baie bi” project also focuses on waste management, industrial engagement, and supporting civil society.
Sy reported that some cleanup projects are 80 to 90% complete, though these figures haven’t been independently verified. The goal is to combine technical work with the needs of local people, fostering a lasting dialogue about the bay’s environmental recovery.
