CURRENT SITUATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN SENEGAL

Abstract

Water is essential for human life, the socio-economic improvement of the state and the protection of its natural environment. Senegal has a rich and diversified hydrological potential, most of whose surface water reserves are located in the basins of the Senegal and Gambia rivers and in groundwater. Unfortunately, water resources can be threatened by anthropogenic actions of various origins and by the adverse effects of climate change. This article aims to analyze the current state of water resources, water problems and prospects for the sustainable development of water resources in Senegal. Information is collected from secondary sources and available statistics (books and the Internet). The results show the importance of Senegal's water resources potential (in terms of surface and groundwater), water resources that are often severely deteriorated due to pollution, agricultural activities and the rised water demand from the population. This degradation is likely to worsen with population growth, development and climate change. For example, the Senegalese government has been conducting a water control policy for several decades aimed at providing the various sectors with water in sufficient quantity and of appropriate quality according to custom to accelerate development balanced. There are several policies and actions for the formulation of rules and regulations on the general use of water. To be in line with the sustainable development goals (SDG), including SDG 6, Senegal is committed to the sustainable management of water resources to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all population by 2030.