18 November 2014: Transitioning to a green economy in Senegal could help lift half a million people out of poverty, create 300,000 jobs and improve environmental outcomes, according to a Green Economy Scoping Study. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) presented the report at an event to launch the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) in Senegal, marking the country’s admission into the PAGE initiative.

The study predicts that Senegal’s gross domestic product (GDP) will be 11% higher under a green economy scenario by 2035, compared to business as usual. The study recommends green investments in sustainable agriculture technologies and techniques to increase agricultural production and prevent soil degradation and pollution. It also recommends investing in the renewable energy sector to stimulate job creation.

Under this green economy scenario, Senegal is predicted to: reduce poverty levels to below 20% of the population by 2035; reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by about 9%; and improve water quality and waste management.

“The findings of this study show the enormous opportunity that a green economy transition represents and that investing further in the environment can support Senegal’s development process, without jeopardizing our future growth,” said Abdoulaye Balde, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development.

The PAGE initiative supports countries to develop national green economy strategies to reduce environmental risks and poverty, generate new jobs and skills and promote clean technologies as well as institutional capacity building and research on the green economy. The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNEP serve as the coordinating partners of PAGE. In its first two years, PAGE is focusing on six pilot countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mongolia, Peru and Senegal.

UNEP prepared the report in collaboration with Senegal’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Centre of Policy Studies for Development. [UNEP Press Release] [PAGE Website]