City of the Sea and the River: A Plea by Oumar Ba SEO Title
Summary of the “City of the Sea” Project in Senegal
This document outlines a proposal for a large-scale “City of the Sea” project in Senegal, envisioned as a hub for maritime culture, education, research, and economic development. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
I.Conceptual Pillars (Four Main Areas)
* Renewable Energies: (Details are limited in this excerpt, but it’s a core focus)
* Memory and Maritime Culture: A museum (“museum of the Sea and Atlantic Memory”) dedicated to african maritime history, from ancient navigation to modern globalization. it will utilize archives, art, technology, and oral traditions to foster reconciliation and look towards the future. Inspired by institutions like the Oceanographic Museum of Lisbon and the National Maritime Museum of Greenwich.
* Education, Youth and Transmission: A large aquarium showcasing African marine life (inspired by Oceanopolis of Brest and Singapore marine Life Park) coupled with “The Blue School of Senegal” - a training institution for a wide range of maritime professions (oceanography, engineering, aquaculture, etc.). This aims to build a sovereign and competitive “blue economy.”
* Ecology and Coastal Resilience: A center focused on ecological restoration, mangrove replanting, climate observation, and pollution control (inspired by The Ocean Cleanup, Blue Economy Institute, and Monaco Scientific Center). A “Coastal and River Observatory” will monitor environmental changes and inform public policy.
II. Economic, Tourist & Territorial Impact (Three key Benefits)
* A Blue Economy Engine: The City will attract investment and innovation, becoming a ”maritime business cluster” for ecological start-ups, research, and international partnerships. This will create jobs, boost tourism, and foster lasting local ecosystems.
* Territorial Marketing & Regional Leadership: The project aims to position Senegal as the leading maritime and environmental hub for West Africa, comparable to Lisbon (Atlantic Europe), Monaco (Mediterranean), and busan (Asia). It will strengthen Dakar’s role as a regional hub (already an air hub) and promote Senegal’s image as a sustainable and inspiring nation. It’s also expected to be a major tourist destination.
* Iconic and Sustainable Architecture: The City’s design will be inspired by the sea and conventional canoes, emphasizing sustainability.
Key Inspirations & Comparisons:
* Oceanographic Museum (Lisbon) & National Maritime Museum (greenwich): Models for the maritime history museum.
* Oceanopolis (Brest) & Singapore marine Life Park: Inspiration for the aquarium.
* The Ocean Cleanup (Netherlands), Blue Economy Institute (Norway), Monaco Scientific Center: Models for the ecological research and restoration center.
* Lisbon, Monaco, Busan: Cities Senegal aims to emulate in terms of regional leadership.
Overall Goal:
The “City of the Sea” is envisioned as a extensive project that combines cultural preservation, scientific research, education, economic development, and environmental sustainability to establish Senegal as a leader in the maritime domain and a model for a “blue economy.”