How Can Research and Data Drive Sustainable and Gender-Inclusive Fishing: The case of Natur'ELLES in Senegal

The Natur'ELLES project in Senegal addresses fisheries challenges like overfishing and habitat loss by empowering women through data access, education, and leadership training. The project utilizes tools such as the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) analysis tool and a Google Earth Engine Mangrove Mapping app to monitor mangrove health and support nature-based infrastructure. Specific initiatives include 'mangrove platforms' for stakeholder dialogue, literacy classes for women, and a feminist leadership program to increase women's participation in natural resource decision-making, particularly in the Sine Saloum and Casamance deltas.

• Senegal's fishing sector faces sustainability challenges including overfishing, non-compliance with regulations affecting species reproduction, and a lack of necessary equipment, resulting in a scarcity of fish.
• Women are central to Senegal's fishing value chain—from oyster collection to processing and sales—but are under-represented in high-level decision-making due to educational barriers and discriminatory practices.
• The Natur'ELLES project employs several strategies to empower women and improve resource management: 'mangrove platforms' for stakeholder dialogue, a Google Earth Engine Mangrove Mapping app for community-led data collection, literacy programs ('classe d’alphabetisation'), and a feminist leadership program.
• The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) tool is used to provide ESG-related risk analysis for infrastructure, arguing for nature-based solutions like mangrove planting over concrete barriers by quantifying benefits such as carbon sequestration and increased fishery yields.
• The project specifically targets the enhancement of resilience for women and communities in the Casamance and Sine Saloum deltas who are vulnerable to climate change.

APA

Sambou,, O. (2025). How Can Research and Data Drive Sustainable and Gender-Inclusive Fishing: The case of Natur'ELLES in Senegal. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/explainer/sustainable-fisheries-gender-equality-senegal-naturelles

Chicago

Sambou,, Ousmane. How Can Research and Data Drive Sustainable and Gender-Inclusive Fishing: The case of Natur'ELLES in Senegal. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/explainer/sustainable-fisheries-gender-equality-senegal-naturelles.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Sambou, |first1=Ousmane |title=How Can Research and Data Drive Sustainable and Gender-Inclusive Fishing: The case of Natur'ELLES in Senegal |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=9 April 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/explainer/sustainable-fisheries-gender-equality-senegal-naturelles |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{sambou2025how, author = {Sambou,, Ousmane}, title = {{How Can Research and Data Drive Sustainable and Gender-Inclusive Fishing: The case of Natur'ELLES in Senegal}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/explainer/sustainable-fisheries-gender-equality-senegal-naturelles}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }