On 17 November, BWI had the pleasure of hosting a special edition of the Apéro de l’Hydro – franco-senegalese at the B612 Innovation Center in Toulouse, organised on the occasion of a visit from a delegation of SAED Senegal. This session focused on cooperation between France and Senegal around water resource management, irrigation challenges, and climate-resilient hydrology.
The event brought together speakers from research, public institutions, NGOs and private companies, including:
- Amadou Thiam, Marie Madjiguene Faye, Abdoulaye Bouya Diop and Mbagnick Ndiaye from the SAED Senegal;
- Sabine Sauvage, José Miguel Sanchez Perez from CRBE – CNRS and GIS Eau Toulouse;
- Hamet Diallo from GRET;
- Valérie Bayche from Adour-Garonne Water Agency;
- Jean-Philippe Luc from Rives & Eaux du Sud-Ouest;
- Laurent Husson from The Climate Company;
- Maxime Turko from HD Rain;
- and Inès Routaboul from BWI.
A rich overview of hydrological challenges and expertise
The wide range of perspectives offered participants a comprehensive view of the issues linking France and Senegal, from agricultural water management to flood risks, climate impacts and hydrological monitoring.
Key contributions included:
- SAED Senegal, presenting its mission in agricultural development and irrigation management across the Senegal River Valley — a critical region for the country’s food security.
- Scientific insights from CRBE (CNRS) and GIS Eau Toulouse on hydrology, biodiversity, and environmental dynamics.
- The GRET highlighting its work on Integrated Water Resources Management and international cooperation.
- The Adour-Garonne Water Agency, presenting its public-interest role in managing and preserving water resources and aquatic environments in south-west France, and in supporting territories facing the impacts of climate change.
- Rives & Eaux du Sud-Ouest, sharing its work as a company specialising in the development , management and securing of hydraulic infrastructure to ensure a sustainable sharing of water resources.
- The Climate Company and HD Rain, showcasing innovative solutions bringing high-resolution climate and rainfall intelligence to water management.
- BWI, presenting the HydroSpace4Senegal project (FASEP – SAED/MEOSS/BWI), which uses hydrological modelling, machine learning and a network of virtual stations on the Senegal River basin to improve discharge forecasting, support irrigation planning and contribute to Senegal’s food sovereignty.
Strengthening cooperation for future water resilience
This Franco-Senegalese edition of the Apéro de l’Hydro highlighted the importance of bringing together scientific, institutional and private-sector actors to accelerate practical solutions for hydrological challenges. By bringing together complementary expertise from both countries, the event helped reinforce a shared commitment to improving irrigation efficiency, anticipating hydrological extremes, and building climate-resilient water systems.
BWI extends its warm thanks to all speakers and attendees for their engagement and contributions to the richness of this session. We look forward to continuing these exchanges and welcoming you again very soon. 💧
