Notice of Determination

Ottawa – August 28, 2023 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed project Development of a market gardening perimeter and five agricultural perimeters, located in Regions of Sedhiou (Soumboundou) and Tambacounda in Senegal, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• community knowledge;
• comments received from the public; and
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:

• Air pollution: Limiting dust emissions means making it compulsory for workers to wear masks (and providing workers and laborers with PPE) on all work sites where dust is likely to be generated. It may also be necessary to water the site regularly to reduce dust emissions.
• Waste production: In order to manage waste, a waste management plan must be drawn up and implemented (application of the 4R-D principle (reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, disposal), including training and awareness-raising activities for the beneficiary GIE and its members. During the operation phase of the market garden perimeter, strict application of good practices relating to the management of empty containers of phytosanitary products and the reclamation of organic residues (e.g. to make compost) will be encouraged.
• Water pollution: Measures to mitigate negative impacts on groundwater consist in carrying out oil change and machinery maintenance work on watertight areas, collecting used oil in suitable containers and disposing of it safely in accordance with the interministerial order on used oil management. You must also ensure that the machinery you use is in good condition and well maintained at all times.
• Clearing and felling: 60% of the wildlife habitats within the intervention perimeters will be protected and/or reforested. It is therefore expected that reforestation activities will have a long-term beneficial effect on local flora and fauna, as long as the choice of forest and fruit species is in line with local agro-ecological conditions. The project plans to integrate fruit arboriculture (tree planting) on part of the perimeter, which will provide an additional source of income for the women. Priority will be given to melliferous species, as recommended by the environmental screening.
• Soil contamination: during the operational phase, the rational and safe use of agrochemicals will be promoted within the market garden perimeter.
• Groundwater contamination: Measures to mitigate the negative impact on groundwater consist in carrying out oil change and machinery maintenance work on watertight surfaces, collecting used oil in suitable containers and disposing of it safely in accordance with the requirements of the interministerial decree on used oil management. You must also ensure that the machinery you use is in good condition and well maintained at all times.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, Global Affairs Canada may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.