Experience with Cooperation in the Management of a Transboundary Watercourse: The Case of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS)

Abstract

The Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) is unique in many respects. The organization has enabled the member states to pool their financial and human resources to invest in the construction of major infrastructure projects designed to maximize the potential offered by the river they share. This presentation will highlight how dams can be at the heart of cooperative solidarity among the member states, allowing for the equitable distribution of the uses and benefits of cooperation among the parties involved.

Tamsir Ndiaye

Tamsir Ndiaye is a design engineer specializing in geology and holds a postgraduate degree in environmental sciences. He has served as:

• National Coordinator for Senegal of the OAU Regional Project for the Development of the Fouta-Djallon Massif;
• An associate member of the UNESCO World Water Assessment Program team;
• An expert in participatory planning and development at UNDP to facilitate the implementation of the 1992 Rio Conventions;
• Program Officer at GTZ (German Technical Cooperation) for natural resource and environmental management;
• Former Director of Environment and Sustainable Development at OMVS;
• Former Director General of SOGED/OMVS;
• Former Director General of SOGEM/OMVS.

In addition, for several years he served as a member of the liaison office of INBO (International Network of Basin Organizations), coordinator of the Permanent Technical Secretariat of ANBO (African Network of Basin Organizations), and representative of OMVS and ANBO to the World Water Council. He is also a board member and treasurer of the association “Initiatives for the Future of the Great Rivers,” chaired by Erik Orsenna. Finally, since leaving OMVS in February 2022, he has served as director of sustainable projects at Panafrican Green Energy.