Natur’ELLES

Country

Senegal
Duration

2023 – 2027
Budget

$20,939,850
Funded by

Global Affairs Canada
Scope

204 000

Project Summary

Through the project Natur’ELLES, Socodevi works to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities in the Sine-Saloum Delta and Casamance, Senegal.

The project particularly targets women who rely on mangrove ecosystems for their livelihoods, by strengthening biodiversity, promoting more inclusive governance, and increasing the benefits associated with conservation. To do so, it encourages the adoption of Nature-based Solutions and relies on a community-based approach to strengthen essential environmental services provided by mangroves, reduce vulnerability, and support the adaptation of coastal communities to climate change.

Objectives

Strengthen climate adaptation for women and their communities living in mangrove ecosystems.
Promote the adoption of Nature-based Solutions for mangrove conservation.
Promote environmental education and awareness on the protection and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems.
Improve inclusive and equitable governance of natural resources and biodiversity conservation.
Increase the economic and social benefits of mangrove ecosystem conservation for women and their communities.
Develop nature-friendly fisheries value chains.
Diversify women’s sources of income in order to strengthen their economic empowerment.

Results and impact

Over 190 hectares of mangroves and forests restored, contributing to greater ecosystem and community resilience to change.
More than 150 women and men trained and mobilized on NbS (installation of Maltese groynes, reforestation, assisted natural regeneration).
Thanks to the Feminist Environmental Leadership and Climate Agency Program (PLEAC), combined with functional literacy, financial literacy, and actions addressing gender-based violence and positive masculinities, women’s representation within MPAs/ICCAs management committees has tripled.
Nearly 1,500 women have modernized oyster farming through climate-smart techniques, increasing productivity while reducing the physical burden of work.

Testimonials

“Canada is proud to support the Natur’ELLES project, which is a flagship initiative of its commitment to combating climate change and biodiversity loss in Senegal. Climate change is a global issue that demands local solutions. This is why Canada values this project’s multi-partner approach.”

Caroline Albert

Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Canada in Senegal

“This is a program to strengthen the technical, strategic, and interpersonal skills of women leaders at the community level. It aims to strengthen their influence in decision-making so they can position themselves as active leaders in climate solutions. Women are not only guardians of natural resources; they are leaders, solution-bearers, and essential voices in discussions about the environment and climate justice.”