Saint-Louis, May 22 (APS) – The Saint-Louis region is home to several initiatives and programs aimed at reducing Senegal’s carbon footprint, as part of the Vision 2050 Agenda, declared Khadim Niass, head of the regional division of Environment and Classified Establishments (DREC).
“Senegal is committed to reducing its carbon footprint in its 2050 Agenda, and in the Saint-Louis region, there are notable initiatives in this regard, including the introduction of taxis powered by gas, the Bokhol solar power plant, as well as a private project underway in the municipality of Fass Ngom,” Mr. Niass said on Thursday..
He was speaking on the sidelines of a community awareness meeting on the Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP), initiated by the Research and Action Center on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CRADESC).”By taking these initiatives, Senegal is simply fulfilling its commitments to reduce the rise in global temperatures by 1.5°C related to excessive use of fossil fuels,” he explained, reminding that “air, water, and sunlight are today sources of energy on which the Saint-Louis region has significant energy potentials.”
He also indicated that in Saint-Louis, agricultural producers heavily utilize the energy mix, citing solar and hydraulic energies as examples.Khadim Niass nonetheless pointed out that climate change impacts sectors such as fishing, tourism, agriculture, and livestock in the region.
Dr. Fatima Diallo, director of CRADESC, stated that this forum aims to raise awareness among communities about the JETP with a view to its grassroots approval.”The goal today is to bring together stakeholders and create a dialogue space to gather their opinions and proposals in order to develop a roadmap that would take their concerns into account,” she explained.Mrs. Diallo urged communities to share their concerns, so they can be considered in the formulation of public policies.
AMD/AB/SBS
