Building community resilience in the Saloum Delta

Woodside recently visited the Saloum Delta in Senegal to evaluate the impact of its Social Investment Program in the Fatick region, in partnership with Wetlands International, a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. The initiative is designed to enhance community resilience through ecosystem restoration, environmental conservation and climate adaptation efforts.

At the heart of the program is the empowerment of local communities, particularly women. The initiative provides essential resources, training and tools to diversify livelihoods and promote sustainable practices. Women in the region have engaged in income-generating activities such as beekeeping, oyster farming and rice production. These activities not only contribute to financial independence but also support environmental conservation, helping to restore the region’s ecosystems.

^{Rice producers at the restored Mbissel Valley (saline land).}

A key achievement of the program has been the restoration of 27 hectares of land affected by salinisation, which has been transformed into productive rice fields. By training local farmers in land restoration techniques, the program has enabled the reclamation of degraded land for agriculture, improving both the environment and food security. Additionally, women’s groups have benefited from a rice husker, streamlining rice processing and boosting productivity. These efforts are revitalising the local economy and enhancing long-term resilience.

The program also promotes financial inclusion by training local community members to manage savings and credit systems, supporting small businesses and fostering economic cooperation. This approach strengthens the community’s financial resilience, providing the foundation for sustainable growth.

Woodside’s commitment to sustainability extends to new energy products and lower-carbon services, such as the introduction of biodigesters and energy stores in Saloum Delta villages. These technologies provide affordable, lower-carbon power while reducing the environmental footprint, offering local communities access to reliable energy sources.

^{Mangrove restoration site (l), and the Beekeeping Park and community members.}

A critical component of the program is ecosystem restoration, particularly the rehabilitation of degraded mangrove forests. This work is vital for maintaining biodiversity and strengthening the region’s resilience to climate change.

Through these integrated efforts, Woodside is making a significant contribution to the Saloum Delta’s sustainable development. The program combines economic empowerment, environmental stewardship and innovative solutions to create a more resilient future for the region and its communities.