ANSTS Sénégal: Loi Littoral Absence Threatens Coasts After 15 Years

• A two-day workshop in Dakar, organized by the ANSTS and CSE, highlighted the absence of a dedicated coastal law in Senegal.
• The *projet loi littoral Sénégal* has been under discussion for 15 years, leaving a regulatory vacuum for coastal management.
• Coastal erosion in Mbour threatens homes, public infrastructure, tourist facilities, and thousands of jobs in fishing and tourism.
• Other pressures include land pressure, offshore oil/gas exploitation concerns, pollution, disorderly coastal occupation, and rising sea levels.
• Experts called for coordinated action from various stakeholders and a clear roadmap to address these multifaceted challenges.

The protracted nature of the *projet loi littoral Sénégal discussions*, spanning 15 years, underscores a significant challenge in establishing a robust legal foundation for coastal management.

The National Academy of Sciences and Technologies of Senegal (ANSTS), in collaboration with the Ecological Monitoring Center (CSE), recently convened a two-day workshop in Dakar to address the critical challenges facing Senegal's extensive coastline, which stretches over 700 kilometers. A central focus of the discussions was the glaring absence of a dedicated coastal law, a legislative gap that has persisted despite more than a decade and a half of deliberations. This regulatory vacuum significantly complicates efforts toward the *gestion intégrée côtes sénégalaises*.

The workshop highlighted the severe consequences of this legislative void, particularly in areas like Mbour, where coastal erosion poses an immediate threat to residential properties, vital public infrastructure, tourist facilities, and artisanal fishing installations. This environmental degradation directly jeopardizes thousands of livelihoods tied to fishing, fish processing (mareyage), small-scale trade, and the tourism sector. The discussions underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to mitigate these escalating risks.

Prominent figures at the event, including Pr. Ibrahima Ly, a jurist and president of the ANSTS Social and Human Sciences section, emphasized that the *projet loi littoral Sénégal* has been under discussion for 15 years without resolution. Dr. Ousmane Kane, Vice-President of the ANSTS, further pointed to the intense *pression foncière zones côtières Sénégal* and growing concerns over offshore oil and gas exploitation, advocating for a clear roadmap to navigate these complex issues. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation was represented by Pr. Hamidou Dathe, Director General of Research and Innovation.

The protracted nature of the *projet loi littoral Sénégal discussions*, spanning 15 years, underscores a significant challenge in establishing a robust legal foundation for coastal management. Pr. Ibrahima Ly stressed the imperative for coordinated action involving the state, local authorities, communities, private sector actors, and development partners to effectively address the multifaceted issues. This collaborative approach is deemed essential given the current lack of specific *érosion côtière Sénégal réglementation*.

Beyond the legislative void, the workshop also delved into the financial aspects of coastal management. While a global cost estimate for these initiatives has not yet been determined, public-private partnerships are being explored as a potential funding mechanism. However, Pr. Ly noted that no specific financial commitments can be made until a comprehensive assessment of all needs is completed, highlighting the foundational work still required before concrete steps can be taken.

This ongoing delay in enacting a dedicated *Sénégal loi littoral ANSTS absence* creates considerable uncertainty for all stakeholders involved in coastal development and environmental protection. Without a clear legal framework, the application of *droit de l'environnement Sénégal littoral* remains fragmented, relying on general statutes rather than a tailored, integrated approach to the unique challenges of the coastline.

The discussions at the ANSTS workshop painted a comprehensive picture of the severe and diverse pressures confronting Senegal's coastal zones. Beyond the immediate threat of erosion, officials highlighted other critical issues such as widespread pollution, the disorderly and often unregulated occupation of the coastline, and the undeniable impact of rising sea levels. These factors collectively exacerbate the vulnerability of coastal communities and ecosystems.

The economic ramifications are particularly stark, with thousands of jobs in vital sectors like fishing, tourism, and small commerce directly exposed to these environmental and regulatory challenges. The absence of a clear *Sénégal loi littoral ANSTS absence* means that these economic activities operate without the protective and guiding framework that a dedicated law would provide, leaving them susceptible to unmanaged risks and unsustainable practices.

Dr. Ousmane Kane's call for a definitive roadmap reflects the urgency of the situation. Addressing the confluence of *pression foncière zones côtières Sénégal*, the environmental concerns stemming from offshore oil and gas exploitation, and the broader issues of pollution and sea-level rise necessitates a coherent, legally-backed strategy. The current regulatory vacuum not only hinders effective *gestion intégrée côtes sénégalaises* but also postpones the implementation of much-needed, long-term solutions for the protection and sustainable development of this critical national asset.

Lawyers advising on development, environmental compliance, or land use in Senegal's coastal zones must navigate a regulatory vacuum due to the continued absence of a dedicated coastal law. This creates significant uncertainty and necessitates reliance on general legal frameworks, while also signaling a high likelihood of future, potentially stringent, legislation that could impact existing and planned projects.

Source: Original reporting via Lesoleil.sn