Residents near Lac Rose in Sénégal are rallying against a controversial green city project that threatens their livelihoods and the fragile ecosystem. The government’s groundbreaking ceremony signals the start of high-end villas and studios, sparking outrage among locals who depend on the lake’s natural resources.

Ibrahima Mbaye, leader of the *Collectif de l’Arr Lac Rose* (Protect Lac Rose), warns the development will devastate the site’s ecology—a critical barrier against coastal erosion and ocean encroachment. The lake supports 6,000 workers, from salt harvesters to restaurateurs and tour operators, all facing an uncertain future if the project proceeds.

Critics dismiss the ‘green city’ label as a marketing ploy. “This isn’t an eco-friendly city—it’s a smokescreen for skyscrapers that will erase Lac Rose’s beauty,” Mbaye argues. “Tourists come for the natural landscape, not concrete jungles. Once it’s gone, they won’t return.”

Advocates for the project, including Casa Orascom—a multinational firm behind the initiative—insist it will balance construction with environmental preservation. The company claims the development will generate 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, aligning with agreements signed with the Sénégalese government.