By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Senegal has strengthened its
role in developing space-based solutions for ocean protection and climate
resilience following its participation in the third International Ocean Space
Forum 2026, held in Monaco.
The Director General of the
Agence Sénégalaise d’Études Spatiales (ASES), Maram Kaire, together with Ms.
Rosso K. Dieng, Director of Partnerships at ASES, participated in a high-level
round table on “Common challenges, solutions and success stories involving
space and oceanic technological development.”
The forum, organised by the
Government of Monaco under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert
II, brought together institutional, scientific and private sector stakeholders
working at the intersection of space technology and ocean management.
Discussions focused on how
space technologies, including Earth Observation, satellite connectivity and
advanced data services, can support efforts to address environmental and
climate challenges affecting marine ecosystems.
Participants explored the
role of satellite-based solutions in strengthening climate resilience,
improving maritime security and supporting the sustainable management of ocean
resources.
During the event, ASES
signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Monegasque company Grogenics to
collaborate on a pilot parametric insurance project aimed at addressing the
impact of sargassum seaweed in Senegal.
The project, funded by the
Principality of Monaco, will use satellite data to develop an index-based
insurance model designed to support communities and economic activities
affected by sargassum outbreaks, particularly in areas such as the Saloum Delta
and the Petite Côte.
ASES said the initiative
represents a strategic step in applying space technology to solve real-world
challenges while supporting the development of Senegal’s emerging space sector.
The agency added that
partnerships developed through the Ocean Space Forum will contribute to the
implementation of the Senegalese space sector roadmap by promoting innovative,
high-impact solutions that combine science, technology and sustainable development.
