Senegal’s sustainable forestry experience shared at COP21

Senegal’s Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, H.E. Mr Abdoulaye Bibi BALDE highlighted in his speech the importance of the topic. The project coordinator, Mr Alassane NGOM, provided an overview of the achievements of PROGEDE II.  Mr Baidy BA, Director of the Directorate for Water, Forest, Hunting and Soil Conservation, described the role and place of PROGEDE II in Senegal’s Forest Policy as well as in the country’s Energy Strategy. The presentations of these two key note speakers can be downloaded here and here.

In his presentation, Mr Edmond SOSSOUKPE, Director General of the Environmental Agency of Benin, shared Benin’s experiences of similar activities currently under implementation under the Increased Access to Modern Energy project (DAEM), also supported by NDF and the World Bank. The World Bank’s perspective on the topic was presented by Mr Benoît Bosquet, Practice Manager for Environment and Natural Resource in charge of West and Central Africa and the Indian Ocean.

A lively discussion followed the presentation which included both pertinent questions as well as an exchange of experience from other African countries.

The Sustainable and Participatory Energy Management Program (PROGEDE II) in Senegal contributes to the availability of diversified household fuels in a sustainable and gender-equitable way, simultaneously as it contributes to the income of participating communities while preserving the forest ecosystems. More information about the project can be found below and from the videos.

The Increased Access to Modern Energy project (DAEM) contributes to climate change mitigation by supporting sustainable use of forestry resources including measures to reduce deforestation by strengthening community-based sustainable wood fuel production and market management systems. More information about the project can be found below.