Network for Ecovillage Emergence and Development (REDES)
| Réseau pour l’Émergence et le Développement des Écovillages au Sahel | |
| Abbreviation | REDES |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. Ousmane Aly Pame |
| Founded at | Senegal |
| Focus | Sustainable development, Ecovillages, Environmental conservation, Community development |
Region served | Sahel region (primarily Senegal and Mauritania) |
| Website | redes-ecovillages.org |
Network for Ecovillage Emergence and Development in the Sahel (REDES) (French: Réseau pour l’Émergence et le Développement des Écovillages au Sahel) is a grassroots organization dedicated to transforming traditional communities in the Sahel region into sustainable ecovillages. Operating primarily in Senegal and Mauritania, REDES integrates indigenous cultural practices with modern ecological and community-building techniques to address environmental challenges such as desertification, climate change, and economic sustainability.[1]
History
[edit]REDES was founded by Ousmane Aly Pame, a Senegalese academic and environmentalist, as a response to the environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by rural communities in the Sahel. The organization has grown to include over 100 villages along the Senegal River Valley.[2]
Objectives
[edit]REDES aims to support rural communities in achieving sustainability through:
- Regenerative Agriculture– Implementing practices that restore soil health and improve agricultural productivity.
- Water Accessibility – Constructing wells and improving water management systems.
- Education – Establishing schools and distributing learning materials to support youth and adult education.
- Healthcare – Providing community health programs and resources.
- Community Centers – Building spaces for communal activities to foster social cohesion.
- Volunteer and Research Programs** – Hosting field volunteers and researchers to support and enhance community projects.
Activities
[edit]
REDES organizes various programs and events, including:
- Sahel Eco Festival – A cultural and environmental festival that celebrates sustainable living and the region's heritage. The second edition took place from February 15 to 18, 2025, in Lahel, Senegal, and Loboudou, Mauritania. The event featured workshops, cultural performances, and tree-planting ceremonies.
- Tree-planting campaigns – Large-scale reforestation efforts to combat desertification.
- Sustainable farming initiatives – Introducing agroforestry and permaculture techniques to improve food security.
Partnerships
[edit]REDES collaborates with multiple organizations to promote sustainable ecovillage models, including: