The Ministry of the Environment's 2026 draft budget allocates 9.63 billion CFA francs to the fight against pollution and climate change, of which 8.22 billion CFA francs are solely for investments, illustrating the strategic importance of this program in the context of the Senegal 2050 Agenda and the growing environmental challenges, according to the Minister.

In committee, several parliamentarians welcomed this direction but expressed concerns about translating these funds into tangible actions on the ground. "The urgent need to establish wastewater treatment plants to limit water pollution, the effective control of polluting industries to reduce chemical emissions into the air and water, and the monitoring of air quality, particularly in densely populated urban areas, require a certain degree of vigilance," the parliamentarians stated.

In addition, there is the need to reduce the use of plastic and polluting products in order to limit waste and protect biodiversity. Members of Parliament stressed that investments must be accompanied by operational measures, including training for staff, regular monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. They also emphasized the need for collaboration with local authorities, which play a key role in implementing anti-pollution policies.

In short, "while the 2026 budget for combating pollution and climate change shows a strong political will, its impact will depend on the effectiveness of its implementation, an essential condition for protecting ecosystems, the health of populations and resilience to climate change," according to the MPs.