Educating children in Senegal about biodiversity through whale songs

In Senegal, innovative environmental education is taking shape as children discover the hidden language of whales. The initiative, spearheaded by the non-profit organization Germes d’Écocitoyens à travers les sciences et les traditions dans les univers d’apprentissage (Gestu), blends science and local traditions to foster a deeper connection with marine biodiversity. Recently, the project brought together third-grade students in Dakar for an immersive session on whale communication, led by cetacean expert Olivier Adam.

One of these sessions unfolded at Alieu Samb Primary School in the Ngor neighborhood, where students gathered around a recording of humpback whales—a species known to migrate to the waters off Ouakam, Dakar, for calving. The moment was as educational as it was captivating, with young learners leaning in to absorb every note of the underwater symphony.

Olivier Adam, a professor at Sorbonne University specializing in cetacean acoustics, shared his revelation with the students: “When I first recorded humpback whales, I was stunned to discover they produce structured, intentional sounds—essentially a language. It’s essential for children to understand this, because comprehending our oceans begins with understanding the creatures that inhabit them.”

The students, wide-eyed and curious, seized the opportunity to ask their burning questions: How many stomachs does a whale have? How many whale species exist? How do whales give birth? What do they eat? For 12-year-old Fanta, the most striking takeaway was “their songs and the way they communicate.”

Thierry, a teacher at Alieu Samb School, emphasized the importance of such lessons: “Without this knowledge, we wouldn’t grasp that a humpback whale typically gives birth to just one calf per pregnancy. That makes them acutely vulnerable to extinction if left unprotected.”

Babacar Sy, a seasoned diver with over three decades of experience in Dakar’s waters, contributed his firsthand perspective. The man behind the whale recordings played a pivotal role in the session, underscoring the urgency of addressing environmental decline: “I’ve witnessed the ocean’s transformation firsthand. Last year, I caught just five groupers all year. If this continues, future generations may never know what a grouper is—they’ll only hear about them in stories.”

This hands-on educational approach is part of a broader campaign by Gestu, which has rolled out similar sessions in two other Dakar schools, pairing whale communication lessons with beach cleanups to drive home the message of environmental stewardship. The goal? To ignite a lifelong passion for protecting Senegal’s rich natural heritage.

Why whale communication matters in ocean conservation

Whales are far more than majestic giants of the sea—they are ecosystem engineers. Their movements and feeding habits help regulate marine food chains, while their nutrient-rich waste fertilizes ocean surfaces. By teaching children about whale communication, educators are not only fostering scientific curiosity but also nurturing the next generation of environmental advocates.

Bridging tradition and modern science

Gestu’s initiative uniquely merges Senegalese cultural traditions with cutting-edge scientific research. Local fishermen like Babacar Sy, who have spent years observing whale behavior, provide invaluable insights that complement academic expertise. This fusion of indigenous knowledge and modern science creates a holistic learning experience that resonates deeply with students.

Empowering youth for a sustainable future

The project’s impact extends beyond the classroom. By instilling environmental awareness early, it empowers young Senegalese to become active participants in conservation efforts. Whether through beach cleanups or advocacy, these children are learning that their actions can make a difference in preserving the planet’s biodiversity.