Urban ecosystems restoration and rehabilitation

Creation of new green areas, Protection of natural ecosystems

As a result of climate change, Thiès is affected by a severe drought. The heavy consumption of wood due to the fact that it is heated and cooked almost exclusively with wood has led to significant deforestation and erosion. During periods of heavy seasonal rainfall, there is flooding with considerable repercussions in the urban area below a high plateau hit by drought and soil erosion. In addition, there are great difficulties in the field of infrastructure. The present intervention falls has the following main objectives: 1. To restore the city to its ecological dimension to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases and the improvement of the living environment. 2. To fight climate change through a systemic approach, focused on the following issues: the restoration of a green grid between urban sections, the promotion of restoration techniques, the natural regeneration of degraded forest ecosystems, the improvement of biodiversity preservation 3. To raise awareness regarding climate change effects by training local communities and trying to change damaging behavioural patterns. 4. To improve the living conditions of the population on site. (1,2)

According to the coordinator of the Restoration and Rehabilitation of Ecosystems Project in the city of Thiès, the project was implemented with the help of the German government and with the cooperation of the city of Solingen, in Germany. The two cities carried out an action plan lasting 18 months, which made it possible to identify 27 measures affecting the areas of sanitation, improvement of the environment, waste management, preservation of biodiversity, energy, communication aspects. Of the 27 measures, he says, one was the subject of a test project focusing on preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. The project set up three communal climate platforms to ensure good local governance, three local sustainable development committees, as well as a grassroots team and a steering and monitoring committee. The training of actors is at the heart of the process. The sessions take place at workshops and village or neighbourhood assemblies. The theoretical sessions are complemented by practical sessions. Awareness is a sustainable transversal activity that takes place during village assemblies, workshops, guided tours and public hearings of the mayor, as well as through the press. (1,3) Through exploratory visits to strategic aid partners, horticultural experts were identified with whom to work on the design of the public gardens and green spaces. By visiting tree nurseries, some potential species could be identified: Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany), Azadirachta indica (neem tree), Cordia sesbetena (cordie), Delonix regia (flame tree) and Peltophorum ferrugineum, Gmélina arborea, Bougainvillea glabra, etc. In order to draw up a plan for the participatory redesign of the public gardens and green spaces, surveys on the perception of the population of the landscaping were planned and carried out in the districts of the avenue CAEN, the public gardens “Esplanade des Droits de l'Homme” (municipality of Thiès West) and "Ibrahima Sarr" (municipality of Thiès East) are affected. 533 people (271 women and 237 men) were interviewed. With these surveys, the design options for the gardens and axes as well as the measures for more successful implementation could be determined. (5)

• Local government/Municipality
• Citizens or community groups
• Marginalized groups: Socio-economically disadvantaged populations (e.g. low-income households, unemployed)
• Food producers and cultivators (i.e. farmers, gardeners)
• Young people and children