Senegal

History

The IOC has decided to conduct African Ocean Days (AOD) for the Central-East Atlantic Region. The pilot country, Senegal has been selected to begin public events. Later, Senegal will be in charge of assisting neighboring countries with its experience. Other African countries will have the chance to benefit from the project after more information and experience is accumulated.

Objectives

The principal objective for Senegal during the 1998 International Year of the Ocean is to sensitize public officials and to obtain their commitment to take adequate measures, to provide sufficient resources and to place priority on the ocean and coastal areas which have limited resources.

The goals of Senegal Days is the following:

• gather developers, scientists, funders and investors to reflect on known application mechanisms in matters of pollution, coastal erosion, fishing, coastal management, etc..
• improve understanding of the coastal environmental through the integration of public education programs related to the oceans, targeting utilizers and schoolchildren.
• reinforce the need for local, nation and regional authorities to take action towards preservation of the marine environment. actions may be taken in the areas of laws, decrees, circulars, etc.. or simply by initiatives of local authorities.
• mobilize all sectors of society, as well as all the appropriate State structures, around the same problem: "Which strategy will ensure sustainable development and management of the oceans?"
• facilitate the concert between researchers of different countries through information and data exchanges.

Note: After the Senegalese objectives are attained, Senegalese national authorities have committed to assisting neighboring countries arrive at similar goals. An approach that encourages consistent and direct collaboration between neighboring States is always deemed fruitful.

Target Groups

• political decision makers
• society
• industrial and commercial groups

The Senegal Days offer a unique opportunity to generate consciousness of the coastal zone and the ocean. All sectors of society should participate in making the effort constructive by focusing on knowledge and experience, as well as strong commitment and resources to ensure that these objectives are achieved in the most efficient manner.

 Programme

1. Education:

National education specialists as well as scientists will be responsible for generating public awareness. Original games will be presented. A special training course is planned for instructors. The National Commission will be informed in advanced.

2. Social Sciences:

• manage multiple uses of the ocean in an appropriate manner;
• preserve indigenous uses and customs.

3. Communication and Information:

• Conference: public events will be held under the general IYO theme AOur Common Heritage@ developed by the IOC/UNESCO. Sub-themes will be generated by Senegalese Authorities;
• Exhibition on fishing nets and marine environment problems;
• The Ocean Charter will be sent (through diplomatic channels) from the Canadian Government to all Member States for signature;
• Public awareness through specialized journalists.

4. Collaboration

• Association of Women
• Association of Scouts
• Center of Oceanographic Researchers, Dakar-Thiaroye
• The Central Committees of Fishing Amateurs
• UNESCO Clubs
• Petroleum Industry
• Tourism Industry
• NGOs
• ORSTOM
• Fishing and Aquaculture Industry
• Saliculture Industry
• University of Cheick Anta Diop