Fatick (Senegal)

Reforest'Action invites you to finance the restoration of a forest ecosystem and mangroves, as well as an environmental education programme for local schoolchildren. 

The project at a glance

• Number of trees to be planted: 354,000 trees in the 2021-2022 season, 440,530 trees in the 2022-2023 season, 513,600 trees in the 2023-2024 season
• Species planted:  Mangrove, Moringa, Rônier, Saman, Albizzia Lebbeck, Lemon, Cassia du Siam and Pomme Cannelle
• Planting period: July to September every year

Project background

In Senegal, known for the diversity of its ecosystems, forests are suffering the consequences of the country's population growth and economic development. Charcoal production, illegal wood trafficking and cattle roaming are responsible for deforestation in the country. 
At the same time, the multiplication of bush fires contributes to the disappearance of the forest cover. As a result, Senegal has lost nearly half of its forest area in 60 years, which caused the aggravation of soil erosion. These phenomena lead to a decrease in agricultural activity and contribute to the impoverishment of the population, particularly in rural areas. In the country, the mangrove, an essential ecosystem for many marine and terrestrial species, is also in danger. 

On site, Reforest'Action and the Senegalese association Nebeday are initiating a vast project of reforestation, mangrove planting and environmental education for school children. This approach will contribute to the restoration of forest ecosystems and the preservation of natural resources that are essential to the economic and social development of populations. 

The planting project 

This project combines several tree species: palm trees planted in the Sangako forest, mangrove trees in to restore maritime ecosystems as well as a variety of fruit and legume species within the school structures.

During the 2021-2022 season, 38,782 trees were planted in schools and on family estates. During the summer of 2022, six "Nature Camps" sessions were organized, during which 300 children discovered forest and mangrove ecosystems and participated in their reforestation. Through these activities, 24,000 palm trees and 314,000 mangroves were planted.

During the 2022-2023 season, 408 trees were planted in schoolyards, and a further 23,065 trees were taken home by children to be planted in their respective homes. At the same time, 20,200 mangrove trees were planted in the Saloum delta, and 14,500 walnut trees were planted in the Samba Dia, Wélor and Djilor forests.

Benefits of the project

This action will produce numerous benefits on an ecological, economic and social scale: 

• Preservation of biodiversity: the mangrove is an essential ecosystem for the life of many animal species. The Sangako forest is also a real reservoir of biodiversity that needs to be protected. 
• Carbon sequestration: palm trees and mangrove trees, which retain 3 to 5 times more carbon than the Amazon and other tropical forests, will altogether participate in the fight against climate change by storing carbon.
• Contribute to the economic development of the population: tree planting in the Sangako forest will help the development of a structured industry based on the valorization of the by-products provided by the palm trees. The restoration of mangroves will contribute to the development of the oyster industry on a local scale.
• Raising the schoolchildren's awareness on environmental issues: In the background of this reforestation campaign, a large-scale environmental education project is being implemented. Each child involved in the project is asked to plant trees in his or her school, but also 3 trees at home, thus becoming responsible for their maintenance. The use of biological treatments to fight against pests is encouraged to avoid the use of chemical treatments.