Senegal adopts a new Environmental Code: a crucial step towards lasting environmental justice

Dakar, August 2025 — In response to pressing environmental challenges and the need to preserve its natural heritage, Senegal revised its Environmental Code in 2023. This ambitious reform aims to establish a more robust legal framework, strengthening the fight against pollution, biodiversity protection and the accountability of citizens and businesses.

The new Code introduces major advances: clearer procedures for environmental permits, better consideration of ecologically sensitive areas, measures encouraging the circular economy and sustainable waste management, concrete incentives to adopt eco-responsible practices, and stronger recognition of citizens’ right to environmental information.

But the success of this legal framework depends largely on its appropriation by local stakeholders: young people, women, people with disabilities, and front-line technical services. Yet these groups often lack clear, simplified access to legal information.

It is in this context that Action for Environmental Justice (AJE) is actively mobilising to raise awareness, inform and train these key audiences through outreach activities on the new Environmental Code. The goal: to ensure that every citizen, whatever their profile, can play a role in protecting the environment in Senegal.

AJE — Together, let’s build a fairer, greener and more inclusive society.