Senegal protests erupt over luxury green city project at Lac Rose
Residents near Senegal’s Lac Rose are mobilizing against a new high-end ‘green city’ project, slated to replace the fragile coastal ecosystem. Despite local outrage, groundbreaking ceremonies have already marked the start of construction, signaling the sale of luxury villas and apartments ‘off-plan’ to prospective buyers.
Ibrahima Mbaye, president of the Lac Rose Protection Collective, warns that the initiative threatens the livelihoods of over 6,000 workers who depend on the lake’s natural resources. ‘Ramasseurs de sel’ harvesting salt, restaurateurs, tour operators, and others risk losing their income if the project alters the delicate balance of the site. ‘They call it a green city, but it’s a misleading label,’ Mbaye argues. ‘The dunes and the protective vegetation planted to shield us from coastal erosion cannot coexist with skyscrapers. Tourists come for the natural beauty—not concrete jungles.’
Egyptian developer Casa Orascom, behind the project, insists it will ‘build while preserving’ the environment, citing commitments made with Senegalese authorities. The company projects 20,000 jobs during and after construction, though critics question the feasibility of balancing luxury real estate with ecological preservation.