Protection of Continental Surface Waters in Senegal: What Strategy Should be Adopted for Sustainable Development?

Senegal has a rich and diversified hydrological potential. Most of the surface water reserves are located in the basins of the Senegal and Gambia Rivers, to which are added smaller rivers (Casamance and Kayanga) and small temporary flow basins. Unfortunately, these water resources are today threatened by anthropogenic actions of various origins and by the harmful effects of climate change. In addition, inadequate water management policies exacerbate water scarcity and are often not conducive to sustainable management of water resources. The protection of continental surface waters in Senegal faces major challenges. Thus, this article analyzes the main legal, administrative, technical and financial elements of a strategy to adopt for a sustainable development of continental surface waters in Senegal. The results of the analysis indicate increase in anthropogenic pressures on water bodies and rivers. Although the regulation prohibits the infringement of continental surface waters, their protection for humans and biodiversity benefit remains ineffective. In addition, means of combating pollution, methods for assessing the status of inland water bodies and their monitoring programs in Senegal are lacking, and require establishment of a new system action plan.