Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has directed key ministers to fast-track the operationalization of Senegal’s national parks through innovative public-private partnerships. The move targets Environment, Tourism, Economy, Planning, Finance, and Budget officials, emphasizing a transformative approach to natural heritage management.
The initiative, developed in coordination with the National Council for Investment and Major Projects (COSIVRA), aims to modernize the country’s flagship ecological sites while ensuring long-term conservation and economic viability. By leveraging private sector expertise, the government intends to balance biodiversity protection with revenue generation from high-potential tourism destinations.
Strategic sites targeted for private investment
The Prime Minister’s directive prioritizes Senegal’s most renowned natural and urban reserves, including:
- Niokolo-Koba National Park – a UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot
- Djoudj National Bird Park – a critical wetland sanctuary
- Saloum Delta – a UNESCO-recognized estuarine ecosystem
- Hann Park – an urban green space in Dakar
- Technopole Reserve – a high-sensitivity urban conservation area
- Lac Rose – a protected coastal landmark
The government will oversee these projects through strict regulatory frameworks, ensuring that private operators adhere to environmental safeguards while upgrading tourism infrastructure. The strategy seeks to unlock new funding streams, create jobs, and position Senegal as a premier eco-tourism destination in West Africa.
