In Sénégal, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new development at Lac Rose has sent a clear message: high-end studios and luxury villas are now available for purchase off-plan. Despite significant local opposition, construction for this ambitious ‘green city’ project is poised to begin.

Ibrahima Mbaye, president of the ‘Arr Lac Rose’ collective – a Wolof phrase meaning ‘protect Lac Rose’ – continues to advocate for the State to reconsider this initiative. Through social media campaigns, on-site gatherings, and direct appeals to authorities, Mbaye and his group are fighting against a project they believe threatens the site’s vital ecosystem. Lac Rose serves as a crucial natural barrier against the ocean, and its preservation directly supports the livelihoods of an estimated 6,000 workers, including salt harvesters, restaurant owners, and tourism operators.

Mbaye expresses deep skepticism regarding the project’s ‘green city’ label. He argues that this designation is merely a tactic to mislead the public into believing it will be an intelligent and ecological development. However, locals intimately familiar with the site understand the impossibility of such claims. He points to the existing sand dunes and the protective tree belt planted to combat coastal erosion and sea encroachment. The concern is that imposing, disfiguring structures will deter tourists, ultimately leading to the demise of the Lac Rose’s unique appeal and the tourism sector it supports.

In response to these concerns, the communication department for the Egyptian company Casa Orascom confirmed that the project is indeed moving forward. They assert their capability to undertake construction while simultaneously upholding environmental preservation standards, in line with commitments made to the Senegalese government. The multinational firm projects the creation of 20,000 direct and indirect jobs through the construction phase.