The network of committed individuals and youth and women's organizations, CAJUST (Active Citizens for Social Justice), held a workshop in Thiès on Friday to advocate for strengthening legislation on methane emissions in Senegal.

In the context of oil and gas exploitation in Senegal, particularly in Saint-Louis and Kayar, this meeting brought together experts and civil society actors from these two locations where resource extraction is taking place. They will receive training to advocate for methane.

According to the project manager at CAJUST, Ibrahima Mbacké, this advocacy is crucial and aims to promote the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework governing the management of methane emissions.

"Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas. It is 80 times more harmful than CO₂. It comes from human activity, particularly in the oil, gas, and agricultural sectors," he said.

He stressed that methane presents several risks to populations: air pollution, health risks (respiratory diseases, etc.), an aggravated climate impact and a lack of legal protection.

Ibrahima Mbacké pointed out that in Senegal, there is no specific legal framework to regulate methane emissions. "The Environmental Code mentions greenhouse gases and prohibits flaring (gas burning) except in certain cases, but it is not strict or specific enough," he said.

To combat this phenomenon, CAJUST advocates for the implementation of a clear law on methane emissions, the strengthening of the flaring ban, and awareness campaigns and training for local communities (Saint-Louis and Kayar). CAJUST believes that pressure must also be put on the government to regulate this gas.

"It is time for Senegal to develop a national policy on methane, to protect the environment, the health of the population and to respect its climate commitments," concluded the project manager.