Adja Ndatta Gaye, currently a program officer at Action for Environmental Justice (AJE) They work to make sure farmers have a voice in the process and support rural development and social justice. Adja shares her learning journey and what inspires her, along with the important work does in the field of land and climate justice.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and share a little about your work in Senegal?
I am Adja Ndatta Gaye, currently a program officer at Action for Environmental Justice (AJE) with a deep passion for climate justice. My commitment to protecting the environment began in high school with small eco-responsible actions, without really understanding the real impact I was having on the environment as a whole. It was this commitment that led me to study environmental engineering in Senegal in order to better understand the major concerns and challenges that humans pose to the climate. I was able to gain several experiences beforehand before being able to exercise my true passion at AJE, working with lawyers, sociologists, environmentalists, etc. to help strengthen the resilience of communities and make their voices heard.
Adja Ndatta Gaye is a program officer at Action for Environmental Justice (AJE)
AJE is an association that works for the good of communities facing environmental damage. It wants to contribute to the construction of a Senegalese society where each individual, regardless of their social, environmental and economic situation and vulnerability, has the right to live in a healthy environment that is preserved for future generations.
We want to empower communities and to do so, we must provide them with the right information in real time so that they can act and be effectively involved in the desired change in their community. In trying to work for climate justice, various interventions are made, including capacity-building sessions on environmental justice, the issues and challenges of hydrocarbon exploitation, on environmental and social safeguard measures, democratizing normative frameworks related particularly to the environment, etc. These sessions are opportunities for exchange and sharing with the communities, providing them with a space to popularize the issues surrounding the climate that are still very little debated, particularly with the impacted communities. Indeed, the communities have empirical knowledge but often do not have the appropriate language like that of scientists. So, in order to act together and have a lasting impact, we rely on this knowledge to give them the tools to act effectively.
My commitment to climate action has been shaped by several experiences and influential people. One significant example is the Saloum Delta, a vital ecosystem of 219 islands and islets that sustains 80% of local livelihoods, especially for women. It also serves as a key breeding ground for much of our fishery resources. However, climate change is devastating the Delta, causing villages to disappear, destroying women’s production sites, and leaving communities in crisis. Witnessing this destruction has deepened my resolve to fight for climate justice, particularly for women, children, and our ecosystem.
A person who profoundly impacted me was the late Alimatou Sarr, a dedicated community leader. Her commitment went beyond advocating for change; she had an in-depth understanding of climate change’s impacts. Alimatou combined scientific knowledge with a cultural perspective, using local wisdom to protect biodiversity and preserve valuable spaces that were considered sacred.
One project that deeply impressed me was an initiative aimed at involving rural women in the fight against climate inequalities in coastal areas, especially in the Saloum Delta, Senegal. As a newcomer at the time, it was eye-opening to see firsthand the crucial role women play in climate action. The initiative focused on strengthening rural women’s capacity on climate justice issues in coastal regions. Following this initiative, it became clear that further action was needed to ensure women, especially those with disabilities, are fully included in decision-making processes.
I firmly believe that the fight for climate justice cannot succeed without women. They are often overlooked in environmental discussions, yet they are among the most affected by climate impacts, making their voices vital.
This experience gave me a deeper understanding of how women, despite being on the frontlines of environmental preservation, are barely involved in natural resource governance. It is essential to build their capacity so they can effectively participate in decision-making, particularly on climate-related issues. This work has reinforced the need to include women in climate policies, as their concerns are often ignored.
A community discussion in Senegal
Working on environmental justice every day is both a challenge and a calling that fuels my motivation to keep pushing forward. The stories and experiences shared by the communities I’ve met are a constant source of inspiration. They face the direct impacts of climate change but continuously find innovative ways to strengthen their resilience, whether against climate threats or harmful multinational practices.
AJE is an association that works for the good of communities facing environmental damage.
This collective effort fosters a strong sense of belonging. The communities’ commitment to asserting their rights, united in their voices, is powerful and hopeful. It reinforces the idea that we are not alone in this fight, and together, we are stronger. While the battles can be tough, it is the passion driving us that keeps us engaged in creating change. I truly believe that together, we can build a future where social and environmental justice guide our actions. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences, hoping to inspire others to join the movement in protecting our planet for future generations.