English
French
Portuguese
Spanish
Climate Justice in Senegal: Battling Environmental Injustice in Bargny
Introduction
In Bargny, a coastal town in Senegal, a contentious battle has unfolded against the backdrop of an already constructed coal-fired power plant. The plant’s presence has sparked fierce local opposition due to its potential to exacerbate climate change in a region already grappling with its effects. Additionally, it poses a significant threat of pollution to the entire city of Bargny, especially impacting the livelihoods of the local fishing communities.
Environmental Advocacy in Bargny
At the forefront of this resistance is Fatou Samba, the president of the Association of Women Fish Processors in Bargny. These women work tirelessly, mere meters away from the power plant, and they are not alone in their fight. They are supported by Lumière Synergie Développement, an organization affiliated with the WoMin network and backed by the CCFD-Terre Solidaire.
Bargny’s Unique Livelihoods
Bargny’s population comprises fisher-farmers who engage in both agriculture and fishing, adapting their activities to the changing seasons. This adaptive approach allows them to maintain food sovereignty, ensuring self-sufficiency and even surplus production of fishery products sold to neighboring countries, such as Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Fatou Samba emphasizes the importance of their work, noting that these neighboring countries rely on Bargny’s ocean resources.
Challenges Faced by Bargny
The conflict revolves around land ownership and usage. The government allocated traditional lands to the power plant project, displacing families in the process. These families find themselves without viable alternatives. Furthermore, Bargny faces rising sea levels due to climate change, leading to the relocation of some families onto lands now designated for the power plant.
The health impact is also a pressing concern. The coal-fired power plant generates waste and toxic emissions, posing serious health risks to local populations and consumers of processed foods from the area. Despite the government’s initial promise to construct the plant outside the city, it stands within close proximity to Bargny, causing apprehension among residents.
Economic Mirage
Proponents of the power plant often tout its positive economic impact. However, Fatou Samba argues that this is a fallacy, as the jobs created have not benefitted the local population. Most of the residents of Bargny are fishermen, and the power plant jobs require different qualifications, making it unlikely for locals to secure employment.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that Senegal lacks coal resources, necessitating the importation of coal from South Africa to fuel the Bargny power plant. This choice raises ecological, economic, and human rights concerns, given the challenges faced by mining communities in South Africa.
Environmental Justice at Stake
The situation in Bargny is dire, with the coal-fired power plant now a reality. The town finds itself sandwiched between two major polluting industries, with an existing cement factory emitting fine particulate matter. The cumulative impacts of these industries on Bargny’s environment, health, and economy are a cause for alarm.
Bargny’s struggle against the already-constructed coal-fired power plant represents a battle for environmental justice in Senegal. The dedicated efforts of local activists, such as Fatou Samba, supported by organizations like Natural Justice, highlight the importance of standing up for climate justice and protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable communities. As the world grapples with climate change, it is crucial for governments and stakeholders to consider the long-term consequences of industrial projects on local communities and ecosystems. Bargny’s plight serves as a stark reminder that development should not come at the expense of human rights and environmental sustainability. It is incumbent upon authorities to make informed decisions that ensure the survival and prosperity of Bargny and similar communities facing similar challenges, even in the face of existing infrastructure.
