Environmental protest erupts against green city project at Lac Rose in Senegal

Residents near Dakar are rallying against a controversial green city project that threatens to disrupt the fragile ecosystem of Lac Rose, a natural barrier against ocean erosion.

Ibrahima Mbaye, president of the Collectif de l’Arr Lac Rose, has intensified efforts to halt the development, warning of dire consequences for local livelihoods. The proposed project could displace thousands of workers including salt harvesters, restaurateurs, and tourism operators who rely on the lake’s preservation. “A green city name is just a smokescreen to deceive the public into believing it’s a smart, eco-friendly project. We know it’s impossible here,” Mbaye argues. “The sand dunes and protective vegetation against coastal erosion would be destroyed, turning Lac Rose into a concrete jungle. Tourists won’t come to see skyscrapers and massive structures ruining the landscape.”

“Even if they promise 20,000 jobs, we won’t trade our natural heritage for concrete,” Mbaye emphasizes. His collective has organized protests, social media campaigns, and direct appeals to authorities, demanding transparency and environmental safeguards.

In response, representatives from the Egyptian firm Casa Orascom, behind the project, state it will adhere to environmental commitments made with the Senegalese government. They claim the development will preserve the site while creating long-term economic benefits. “We are committed to balancing construction with ecological preservation,” a company spokesperson stated.