In Sénégal, the recent groundbreaking ceremony for a new high-end development at Lac Rose has signaled a clear intent: studios and luxury villas are now available for purchase off-plan. This move comes despite significant local opposition, as construction for the ambitious “green city” project is set to begin.

Ibrahima Mbaye, who leads the Arr Lac Rose collective (meaning ‘protect Lac Rose’ in Wolof), remains hopeful of halting the state-backed initiative. Through extensive social media campaigns, on-site gatherings, and direct appeals to authorities, Mbaye and his group are fighting to preserve the unique ecosystem of Lac Rose. They argue that the development poses a direct threat to the site’s natural defenses against coastal erosion and, crucially, to the livelihoods of approximately 6,000 individuals. These include salt harvesters, local restaurateurs, and tourism operators, all of whom rely on the lake’s pristine condition for their income.

Mbaye expressed strong reservations about the project’s branding: « Even the name ‘green city’ is an attempt to mislead the public, suggesting an intelligent, ecological city. We, the residents here, know this is impossible on this site. We have sand dunes, and a protective strip of vegetation planted specifically to combat coastal erosion and sea encroachment. People don’t visit Lac Rose to see imposing buildings that completely disfigure it. If this goes ahead, there will be no tourists left. »

Conversely, the communication department for Casa Orascom, the Egyptian multinational spearheading the project, affirms that the development is progressing as planned. The company asserts its capability to construct while adhering to environmental safeguards, citing commitments made with the Senegalese government. Casa Orascom also anticipates the creation of 20,000 direct and indirect jobs through the construction effort.