Impact of Gas Project on Saint-Louis Fish Processing Sector Raises Concerns for Women Workers
Saint-Louis, Senegal – A large-scale gas project in the Saint-Louis region is having a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of women involved in fish processing, according to local leaders. Approximately 1,254 women who operate in the transformation, smoking, and marketing of fish along the Langue de Barbarie are facing unemployment due to dwindling catches and restricted access to traditional fishing grounds. The situation highlights a broader concern about the social and economic consequences of resource extraction projects on vulnerable communities, particularly women, and the need for equitable compensation and sustainable alternatives.
The concerns center around the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project, a joint venture led by BP and Kosmos Energy, which began development in 2019. While proponents tout the economic benefits of the project, including job creation and increased revenue for Senegal, critics argue that the environmental and social costs are being overlooked. The Langue de Barbarie, a narrow strip of land extending into the Atlantic Ocean, has historically been a vital fishing ground for local communities, and a key source of income for women involved in the fish processing industry. The reduction in fish stocks, attributed to the project’s activities, is threatening this traditional way of life.
Reduced Access to Fishing Grounds and Declining Catches
Fama Sarr, president of the local union of women fish processors, smokers, and micro-processors in Saint-Louis, has been a vocal advocate for the affected communities. She explains that the installation of infrastructure related to the GTA project, coupled with restrictions on fishing zones, has led to a significant decline in the availability of raw materials. “The quayside, usually very active in March, now appears very dry,” Sarr stated, indicating the stark contrast to typical activity levels. The limited access is reportedly due to the presence of vessels associated with the gas project, effectively preventing local fishermen from accessing previously productive areas.
Currently, the fish available for processing is largely sourced from Mauritania, facilitated by fishing licenses between the two countries. However, local fishermen lack the capacity to fish in those waters, creating a dependence on external sources and further exacerbating the economic hardship faced by the women processors. This situation underscores the vulnerability of the local economy to external factors and the need for sustainable solutions that prioritize the needs of the community.
Broader Impacts of Infrastructure Projects on Women
The challenges faced by the women of the Langue de Barbarie are not isolated. Aby Dia, vice president of the NGO Lumière Synergie pour le Développement (LSD), notes that her organization has been supporting communities affected by the GTA project since 2021, with a particular focus on women. Dia highlights that the issues extend beyond the gas project, encompassing the impacts of other large-scale infrastructure projects in the region, including those in the Delta du Saloum, the Train Express Régional (TER) railway line, and the Sendou coal-fired power plant. LSD has been working to analyze the impacts and advocate for compensation and alternative livelihood opportunities.
“We have found that these large projects often do not accept into account the concerns of women, who occupy a central place in society,” Dia asserts. She emphasizes that the gatherings and analyses undertaken by LSD and other organizations are not merely symbolic, but rather a crucial step towards identifying solutions and securing fair compensation for those affected. The organization’s work aims to ensure that the voices of women are heard and their needs are addressed in the planning and implementation of future development projects.
Fama Sarr’s Advocacy and the Fight for Recognition
Fama Sarr’s commitment to the preservation of the fishing industry and the well-being of her community extends beyond her role as president of the local women’s union. She as well serves as the secretary-general of the local artisanal fishing council (CLPA) and is a fish processor herself. In November 2024, Sarr was invested as the second candidate on the national list of “Gox Yu Bess,” a political party focused on defending the rights of fishermen, demonstrating her growing influence and recognition as a leading advocate for the sector.
Sarr has been particularly critical of the recurring loss of life in the Saint-Louis breach, often referred to as “the voice of the fishing community,” and the lack of support provided to the families of those lost, especially widows. She also voiced opposition to the renewal of fishing licenses for foreign vessels, advocating for greater control over local resources and a more equitable distribution of benefits. Her dedication to representing the interests of Saint-Louis fishermen at the national level underscores her commitment to securing a sustainable future for the region’s fishing communities.
The Long Road to Compensation and Sustainable Solutions
The struggle for recognition and compensation has been a long one. According to reports, it wasn’t until 2024, after ten years of seismic research related to the gas project, that a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the impact on local communities was finally completed. This delay highlights the challenges faced by communities in obtaining accurate data and holding project developers accountable.
The completed assessment now serves as a roadmap for negotiations with the operators of the GTA project, aiming to ensure that the rights of fishermen are respected and the activity remains viable in the long term. Discussions regarding artificial reefs, as a potential mitigation measure, are reportedly underway. However, the immediate needs of the 1,254 women fish processors remain pressing, and the search for sustainable alternative livelihoods is crucial.
The situation in Saint-Louis serves as a stark reminder of the complex social and economic challenges associated with large-scale resource extraction projects. It underscores the importance of inclusive development strategies that prioritize the needs of local communities, particularly women, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared equitably. The ongoing negotiations and advocacy efforts led by figures like Fama Sarr will be critical in shaping a more sustainable and just future for the region.
The next key development to watch will be the outcome of ongoing negotiations between representatives of the affected communities and the GTA project operators regarding compensation and mitigation measures. Further updates on these discussions are expected in the coming months. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below.