“Perceive and communicate SESA as a governance tool rather than an administrative process.” “Identify stakeholders comprehensively.” “Integrate SESA into strategic planning processes as early as possible to make them sustainable.”
These are some key points raised by participants at he NCEA’s francophone partner conference This link opens in a new tab held last week in Senegal. Among them were partners from ministries of the environment, ministries of mines, energy, sustainable development, and various agencies in the field of water and the environment.
Participants came from the following countries: Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal. Our partners from various regional organisations were also present: the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Organisation for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
The programme offered ample opportunity to present sustainability challenges and strategic decision-making trajectories, including SESA. Examples included the fields of mining, green hydrogen and river basin planning. Divided into small groups, participants reflected on the challenges they face in these processes. They shared their assessments of these challenges and practical recommendations for addressing them. Participants were able to leave with a wealth of practical advice from their peers that they can immediately implement in their own situations.
A wealth of information was exchanged on how the various ministries and agencies involved can jointly plan, assess and manage high-impact plans and programmes. And how strategic environmental and social assessment can contribute to this. The main lesson to be learned, however, is that the region has a wealth of expertise and experience, and that it is very useful to gather and exchange these lessons.
Thank you all for sharing your wisdom !
Here This link opens in a new tab, you will find more information, photos and resources related to the conference (in French).
Picture: NCEA 2025 – © John S | Borso Tall
The NCEA provided capacity development for the WACA member states during a study tour organised by RVO in the Netherlands.
The NCEA contributed to a regional capacity building workshop for WAEMU member states.
The NCEA hosted a training about Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for mine closure for members of WAEMU.
