Saloum Delta communities lead mangrove restoration to combat climate change

In the Saloum Delta of Senegal, local communities are undertaking significant mangrove restoration efforts to combat land salinization and rising sea levels caused by climate change. In the islands of Marlothie, Marsoulou, Marwandié, and Marfafako, hundreds of women are leading environmental battles by planting Avicennia propagules to preserve their territory and local economy, which relies on fishing, shellfish gathering, and apiculture.

In the hamlet of Ndindé, within the Djirnda commune, the NGO ActionAid organized a reforestation operation covering five hectares. The initiative, part of the ‘Fund Our Future’ campaign, aims to strengthen the mangrove ecosystem and advocate for a 30% increase in agroecology budgets. Badara Diome, the mayor of Djirnda, used the event to call on national authorities to adopt a special protection plan for island environments ahead of COP31, urging the government to act as an advocate for threatened island communities.