Prime minister sonko outlines strategic vision for Senegal’s national parks with private sector engagement

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a clear directive to key government ministries, including those responsible for Environment, Tourism, Economy, Planning and Cooperation, and Finance and Budget. The mandate is to implement all necessary measures to invigorate the strategic management of Senegal’s invaluable national natural heritage.

Working closely with COSIVRA, the Executive branch aims to establish a structured, modern, and sustainable framework for developing the nation’s premier national parks and significant ecological landmarks. This bold new strategic direction will harness the power of public-private partnerships (PPPs), seeking to forge a synergy between robust biodiversity preservation and enhanced economic appeal.

Niokolo Koba, Djoudj, Saloum, and Technopole at the Core of this Ambitious Strategy

This governmental initiative specifically targets some of Senegal’s most strategic and highly attractive tourist ecosystems. The partnerships are set to be deployed across several iconic locations: the Niokolo-Koba National Park, Hann Park, the Saloum Delta, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, alongside the ecologically sensitive urban reserves of the Dakar Technopole and Lac Rose.

By entrusting the development and enhancement of these crucial sites to private operators, under stringent state oversight, the government intends to attract significant structural investments. This approach aims to modernize existing visitor infrastructure, generate new revenue streams, and simultaneously ensure the rigorous protection of these designated natural areas.