ECOWAS donates boat to boost eco-tourism and jobs for women, youth in Senegal

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated a boat to a local environmental group in Senegal to support mangrove conservation, eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities for residents.

The donation was made on November 4, to the Les Éco Gardes de Khor Economic Interest Group (EIG) as part of efforts to support the development of the Khor green space and the restoration of mangroves in Saint-Louis.

The initiative was undertaken by the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Senegal, accompanied by ECOWAS Parliamentarians Guy Marius Sagna and Ismaela Wone.

The ceremony was led by the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, Zelma Nobre Fassinou, and brought together local administrative and university authorities in Saint-Louis.

According to ECOWAS, the boat, which bears the colours of the regional bloc, will support environmental monitoring and eco-tourism activities in the Khor area.

It is expected to facilitate excursions through the mangrove ecosystem, allowing visitors to appreciate its environmental importance while raising awareness about pollution and the need to protect the natural environment.

The initiative is also expected to create income-generating opportunities for young people and women in the community through eco-tourism activities.

ECOWAS said the intervention forms part of its commitment to supporting local initiatives that promote environmental protection, ecosystem preservation and sustainable development across the region.