Establishment of the “Senegalese National Coastal Observatory” (WACA Project)

As part of the WACA regional program, BRL Ingénierie provides technical assistance for the implementation of two strategic mechanisms: the Senegalese National Coastal Observatory (ONL) and the Early Warning System (SAP). The overall objective is to strengthen national capacities for monitoring, warning, and sustainable management of the coastline by structuring tools for analysis, data dissemination, and decision support. The project is co-financed by the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and is based on concerted efforts with the relevant Senegalese institutions, in particular the Ministry of the Environment and ANACIM (National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency). The assistance will initially focus on the complete structuring of the ONL: definition of the institutional, technical, and operational framework; selection of monitoring indicators; structuring of data flows; development of a dedicated digital platform; and support for the strategy to promote coastal knowledge. The second phase concerns the operationalization of the ONEL with the purchase and installation of equipment, training, and communication activities.

At the same time, BRL Ingénierie is supporting improvements to the Early Warning System (EWS) in conjunction with ANACIM, integrating marine flooding forecasts, defining alert thresholds, adapting communication tools, and liaising with local services. Finally, specific support is provided to the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition (METE) for the implementation of its Geographic Information System (GIS), through needs analysis, assistance with equipment procurement, and the structuring of a shared database.

The Technical Assistance team involves three permanent technical assistants and numerous short-term experts. They are responsible for setting up the “Senegalese National Coastal Observatory” and the “Early Warning System” in all its components (institutional and legal, technical, capacity building, etc.), including the purchase of equipment. The TA will last 27 months.