The international scientific conference on West African regional environmental law, organized by the Laboratory of Studies and Research in Politics, Environmental Law and Health (LERPDES) of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) ) in partnership with the NGO Natural Justice, ended on October 11 in Dakar. This event brought together experts, jurists, lawyers, magistrates as well as academics to discuss the challenges and perspectives related to environmental protection in West Africa.
At the end of the work, Ms. Sokhna Dié Ka Dia, Director of the Dakar hub of Natural Justice, underlined the importance of the conclusions formulated during these four days of exchanges: “We discussed in depth, ranging from theory to the practice of environmental law, from litigation to the role of lawyers. We hope that the conclusions that will emerge from this conference will be applied by the State of Senegal but also in all ECOWAS States. » Ms. Dia called on African States to return to the fundamentals of environmental law to achieve sustainable economic development, while ensuring the protection of ecosystems for the well-being of communities.
She also insisted on the need for the authorities to take ownership of the recommendations resulting from the discussions, in particular when revising policies on biodiversity and draft laws relating to climate change. “The goal is to be able to combine economic development and environmental protection,” she added.
The crucial role of environmental law
Me Mamadou Diobé Gueye, lawyer and member of the Board of Directors of Natural Justice, praised the quality of the panels which were held daily: “For four days, we talked about environmental law, we took stock of the situation see what steps have been taken and where we need to go to make this defense of the environment in West Africa more efficient. » According to Me Gueye, the main challenge is to find how to influence the political decision-makers who make the laws, in order to strengthen the legal framework in terms of environmental protection.
The proceedings of the conference will be published in the form of a collective work, marking an important step in the consolidation of a more effective regional legal framework for environmental protection and sustainable development in West Africa.
#Senegal
