Strengthening community mechanisms for protecting the coastline and seabed of Yoff (SNYDK0003)

Commitment ID

SNYDK0003

Commitment Title

Strengthening community mechanisms for protecting the coastline and seabed of Yoff

Problem

Yoff is one of the 11 coastal communities of the Dakar department in Senegal and is among the oldest human settlements. Fishing dominates its economy, with Kësup as a cultural and economic hub. Kësup is a sacred site tied to Yoff's cultural heritage and serves as a vital area for community activities. Its geomorphological features make it a natural habitat for coastal demersal species, seafood, and pelagic species, providing livelihoods for those in the fishing value chain. The site’s submerged cavities create an ideal breeding ground and safe shelter for fish juveniles, protecting them from predators. However, Kësup faces severe environmental challenges, primarily the erosion of marine biodiversity. The site’s role as a breeding area has been significantly compromised by ecological degradation caused by daily discharges of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater, coupled with solid waste pollution, especially plastics. This pollution blocks underwater habitats, exposing juvenile fish to predators and disrupting the ecosystem's balance. Adding to these human-induced issues are the impacts of climate change, further threatening the biodiversity that once thrived in this ecosystem. The degradation has forced many young members of the fishing community to turn to irregular migration as resources dwindle and opportunities diminish.

Status quo

Kësup beach in Yoff is experiencing a worrying deterioration due to chronic unsanitary conditions. Frequented daily by many users practicing around thirty professions, it generates a significant quantity of liquid and solid waste. The absence of an effective wastewater management system, combined with frequent discharges of untreated water, causes visual and olfactory pollution, compromising sports, cultural and recreational activities. On the social level, the economic and cultural attractiveness of the site attracts populations of diverse origins (inland regions, sub-region), leading to complex interactions that can generate conflicts. The landing area for fish products is overloaded, with an extreme density of users (fishermen, fishmongers, vendors, etc.), hindering traffic and making activities chaotic. In addition, late landing times (3-4 a.m.) expose users to insecurity risks, particularly for micro-fishmongers and fishermen.

Action

The project aims at restoring the Yoff coastline through ecological and participatory actions. The seabed will be cleaned every three months, under the coordination of Yoff divers, with the participation of young people, women and stakeholders in the fisheries value chain. Artificial reefs will be installed to encourage the reproduction of fish species, and reforestation campaigns with coconut trees, filaos and other adapted species will be carried out all over the coastline. Users will be made aware of the impacts of marine pollution and trained to adopt responsible behaviors in the face of climate change. Periodic beach cleanups will be organized, and eco-guards will monitor it to preserve healthy access to the coastline. These initiatives will be supported by the Municipality of Yoff, the City of Dakar, the Autonomous Port Foundation and other partners, ensuring an inclusive and sustainable framework for environmental preservation.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The above described actions will have significant results:

- improving the health status of the site; especially since Kësup is home to the landing dock for the coastal area of Yoff and the fish products that are fished there need a hygiene certificate to ensure the food safety of consumers;

- the restoration of breeding grounds for different fish species through reefs installed in the seabed; ---- better catches in the long term which will certainly lead to better economic health for the players in the entire fishing value chain;

- the coastline is beautified thanks to the plantations of coconut trees/filaos and adapted species;

- the beach is cleaned and monitored to deter attackers

These are the outcomes that are under the control of the Yoff municipality which we hope will significantly mitigate the issues. Yet, will still remain the installation of a protective wall/dam along the entire coastline of Yoff  that is unfortunately too costly for the municipal budget to support and therefore remains central government's responsibility.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The long-term objective is not only to repopulate the seabed in order to feed the ever-growing fishing families but also to provide a healthy environment for the populations of the coastal area of Yoff because, as we mentioned above, the coastline of Kësup is an emblematic place in many ways because it is linked to the cult of the sacred, to the highlights of local cultural expression; but also and above all to community economic and social activities. Cleaning up this environment which hosts the Yoff landing dock will greatly contribute to the food security and well-being of the local populations but also of the countless users/consumers who obtain their supplies of fish products in Yoff.
This commitment aims to contribute to strategic axis 3 of the mayor's vision which consists of environmental protection and climate resilience but also globally SDG 14 relating to the protection of the oceans.

Primary Policy Area

Other/NA

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Environment & Climate

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?