Environmental education: When customs officers train the next generation in nature conservation

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Hann Park was the gathering place for hundreds of children who came to participate in the eco-village called "Children of the Green Customs." Under the theme "Learning to love nature, learning to protect it," this activity was organized by the Association of Customs Inspectors and Officers (AIOD), in partnership with the National Parks Directorate and the Directorate of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Soil Conservation. The main objective of this eco-citizen initiative was to raise awareness among children, from a very young age, about ecological issues and environmental preservation.

This initiative aligns perfectly with AIOD's program, which focuses on training and raising community awareness about the concept of "Green Customs," as well as environmental protection and climate change mitigation issues. It aims to promote eco-responsible behavior while strengthening civic engagement for sustainable development. The initiative, spearheaded by the association, is a concrete extension of the operational collaboration between Senegalese Customs and the Ministry of the Environment in combating the trafficking of protected species and safeguarding natural resources. The combined actions of these various forces were presented to young people through thematic workshops and interactive exhibits in the form of booths.

Representing the Director General of Customs, Mr. Malick Mbaye, the DGD coordinator, Mr. Ousmane Kane, conveyed the congratulations of his superiors to the organizers. Addressing the children directly, he emphasized: “You are the ones who will inherit the earth your ancestors leave you. Learning to love nature means learning to protect it; and learning to protect it means acting as a responsible citizen.” On this occasion, the Association of Customs Inspectors and Officers also provided school supply kits to the participants, who left with a greater awareness and a strong message in favor of preserving our natural heritage.