Aliou Gory Diouf, ministre de l’Environnement : Un expert du climat face aux urgences environnementales du Sénégal
Aliou Gory Diouf, 54, takes the reins of the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition, with a background that stands out in the Senegalese political landscape. A researcher, international climate expert, specialist in environmental finance, and local development actor, he built a reputation well before entering politics.
The Nioro du Rip department has been home to many prominent figures. From Moustapha Niasse to Serigne Mbaye Thiam and the late Moustapha Ba, the former stronghold of Almamy Maba Diakhou Ba has just seen one of its sons appointed to the government. Aliou Gori Diouf, the new Minister of the Environment and Ecological Transition, follows in the illustrious footsteps of some of the natives of this department located in the Saloum region, in the central-western part of Senegal.
This climate and sustainable development expert has over twenty years of experience in the field. Born on March 29, 1972, in Diamaguene, in the Rip region, Aliou Gory Diouf spent his early years in a rural environment, immersed in Koranic education, livestock farming, and traditional schooling. After primary school in Nioro, which he reached daily on foot, he continued his studies at the town's secondary school and obtained his BFEM (Brevet de Fin d'Études Moyennes) in 1991. He earned his baccalaureate at the Kaolack high school, graduating first in his examination center.
This academic excellence opened the doors to Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, where he studied geography. After obtaining his Master's degree in 2000, he was selected from among more than 300 candidates to receive a prestigious Ford Foundation scholarship. He then headed to Canada and Laval University, where he defended his doctoral thesis in geographical sciences in 2008.
His research already focused on the transformations of African territories, ecosystems, and production systems confronted with economic and environmental legacies. But it was the 2008 global economic crisis that definitively steered his career toward climate issues. A postdoctoral fellowship dedicated to vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience to climate change established him as one of the most prominent African specialists in these emerging issues.
Upon returning to Senegal, Aliou Gory Diouf joined the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, before collaborating with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) on the "Adaptation to Climate Change in Africa" program. His expertise quickly became sought after. Between 2012 and 2017, at ENDA Energy-Environment-Development, he led several programs focused on climate resilience, ecosystem services, and sustainable landscape management. He also distinguished himself through his advocacy for greater integration of environmental considerations into African public policies.
His next step took him to Nairobi, to the Africa Sustainability Centre. As head of climate finance, he assists governments and international institutions in mobilizing resources from major global environmental funds. The AfDB, UNDP, UNEP, IFAD, and the West African Development Bank are among his key partners.
An independent international consultant since 2019, he participates in the design of numerous projects funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, and the Adaptation Fund. His expertise covers climate finance, natural resource management, national adaptation strategies, and the resilience of agro-sylvo-pastoral systems.
In 2016, while not belonging to any political party but deeply attached to his roots, he created the Movement for Awareness and Action for Sustainable Development. Its objective is to take concrete action in the areas of education, health, the environment, and local economic development. His contribution to the electrification of his native village, long deprived of electricity despite its proximity to Nioro du Rip, remains one of his most symbolic achievements.
This field experience marked a turning point in his political engagement. In July 2021, he decided to enter the political arena with his movement, "Nawlanté Sénégal." After campaigning throughout the 63 villages of his municipality, he participated in the local elections, finishing second out of six candidates. Later, he supported the Diomaye Président and Pastef coalition in the subsequent elections. During the 2022 legislative elections, he headed the departmental list in Nioro for the "Aar Sénégal" coalition.
Today, as head of the Ministry of the Environment and Ecological Transition, Aliou Gory Diouf has set several priorities, including the preservation of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, combating the effects of climate change, mobilizing environmental financing, strengthening human capacities, and improving waste and pollution management. He intends to leverage his experience in securing international funding to support public policies for climate adaptation, natural resource protection, and sustainable environmental management.
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