During the first edition of the International Forum on the Blue Economy (FIEB), several local initiatives in the Saint-Louis region were highlighted, illustrating the dynamics of the blue economy in Saint-Louis. This forum provided a visibility platform for a series of entrepreneurs and local actors engaged in innovative projects aimed at preserving marine resources and promoting sustainable development. Isabelle Boiro-Gruet, deputy director of the French Institute of Saint-Louis, underlined the importance of these initiatives and the partnerships that support them.
“We had the opportunity to collaborate with the International University of Ll Mer (UIM), a key player in the forum. We have highlighted innovative local projects, led by a wide diversity of entrepreneurs,” she declared during the awards ceremony for startups dedicated to the blue economy. These initiatives, according to her, address crucial issues such as fry production, fishermen safety, as well as new technologies for ocean sustainability.
Startups rewarded for their innovation in the blue economy
One of the highlights of this event was the award ceremony for innovative blue economy startups. This initiative aims to reward projects that provide concrete solutions to the environmental and socio-economic challenges linked to the oceans. Isabelle Boiro-Gruet mentioned two particularly remarkable projects:
Anilaye, the company founded by Anta Niang, which distributes water fountains equipped with carbon filters, allowing drinking water to be preserved for at least a month. “Anilaye” was incubated at the French Institute of Saint-Louis and illustrates the impact of local solutions for water management.
Defaratt, led by Babacar Diallo, which is developing a plastics collection and recycling plant in Gandiol. This project is part of an effort towards sustainable waste management and the fight against plastic pollution.
The role of “Plastic Odyssey” in the fight against plastic pollution
The deputy director also welcomed the participation of Plastic Odyssey, a collective organization dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in the oceans. This innovative initiative, supported by the French Embassy in Senegal, provides for the installation of plastic recycling micro-factories in several localities, including Gandiol. One of these factories should be inaugurated soon. Plastic Odyssey embodies the commitment of local and international actors in the fight for a cleaner and more sustainable future for the oceans.
A structuring forum for the blue economy in Saint-Louis
The FIEB attracted a wide range of participants, from researchers to heads of national and international organizations, entrepreneurs and investors. This gathering aimed to create synergies around the blue economy, a sector of the future which represents a major challenge for the Saint-Louis region. In addition to rich and varied exchanges, the event closed with a concert at the French Institute of Saint-Louis, symbolizing the cultural and environmental commitment of this initiative.
This first International Forum on the Blue Economy clearly highlighted the importance of local innovation in preserving the marine environment. Thanks to the diversity of projects presented and the strategic partnerships established, Saint-Louis is asserting itself as a key player in the development of the blue economy in Africa. This forum brought together creative minds and thought leaders, while laying the foundations for future collaborations aimed at protecting our oceans and encouraging sustainable management of natural resources.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
