Every year on February 2, the world celebrates World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the crucial importance of these fragile ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”, underscores the urgency of action. Wetlands play a fundamental role in water regulation, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the protection of human communities. Yet, they remain widely underestimated and under threat.
Blue Walk launch ceremony
In this context, the Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa (PRCM) marked the occasion by participating in two major events: the Blue Walk in Mauritania and the second edition of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Days in the Senegal River Delta.
A Blue Walk for the Protection of the Mauritanian Coastline
Organized by the Mauritanian Environmental Association with support from PRCM, the Blue Walk aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving the coastal environment in the face of multiple challenges, including pollution and climate change.
The launch ceremony took place on the Atlantic coast under the presidency of Ms. Messouda Mint Baham Ould Mohamed Laghdhaf, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, in the presence of numerous dignitaries, including administrative authorities, parliamentarians, local officials, youth, sports professionals, and civil society organizations.
Ahmed Senhoury, Executive Director of the PRCM giving his speech
During his speech, PRCM Director Ahmed Senhoury praised this initiative and highlighted the threats facing the Mauritanian coastline, such as unchecked urbanization, overexploitation of natural resources, and the impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion and rising sea levels. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach that integrates public health and safety while urging the Minister to advocate for stronger environmental communication among her government colleagues.
Celebrating the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Days in the Senegal River Delta
PRCM also participated in the second edition of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Days in the Senegal River Delta (RBTDS). The event, held on Sunday, February 2, at the Diawling National Park, was co-chaired by Ms. Messouda Mint Baham Ould Mohamed Laghdhaf and Mr. Daoud Ngom, Senegalese Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, alongside the regional governors of Trarza and Saint-Louis.
In his speech, Ahmed Senhoury emphasized the ecological and socio-economic significance of the reserve, which shelters unique biodiversity, serves as a refuge for many species, and plays a key role in water resource regulation. However, he also warned of major threats to this fragile ecosystem, including climate change, resource exploitation, and infrastructure development. He stressed the urgency of strengthening conservation efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability.
PRCM actively contributes to the promotion of the Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. With its support, a dedicated facility was built on-site to enhance management and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, through the GEF project, PRCM has initiated and funded several strategic actions to improve the reserve’s management and resilience against environmental threats.
Bell Basin Visit: A Model for Mangrove Regeneration
A highlight of the event was the visit to Bell Basin, a pilot site for mangrove restoration, where PRCM is implementing the MCO project. Officials had the opportunity to plant mangrove trees, symbolizing a collective commitment to restoring this vital ecosystem.
His Excellency Mr Daoud Ngom, Senegalese Minister for the Environment and Ecological Transition, and representatives
World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder that their protection is a shared responsibility, requiring collective mobilization and strong political will to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
