The Centre
From an island, shaping a shared future.
GOCEAN is a Senegalese nonprofit association connecting community action, education, heritage and environmental justice.
Who we are
One Centre, many perspectives.
The Gorée Centre for Climate, Environment, Heritage and Human Rights grew from a desire to connect local knowledge, expertise and civic engagement. Our approach brings together legal practitioners, educators, heritage actors and volunteers.
Our vision
Island and coastal communities able to preserve their environment, memory and rights as their territories change.
Our mission
Build resilience through education, community action, research and advocacy, starting with residents’ lived realities.
Our approach
Listen, co-design, experiment and document. Connect generations and work with local actors to learn from every initiative.
Governance & commitment
An association, a shared commitment.
GOCEAN draws on its association’s governing bodies and a multidisciplinary team. Participation, transparency and community roots guide its development.
Abdoulaye DIA
Founder and President of GOCEANSenior legal counsel, Climate Reality Leader and an active member of Gorée’s local community.
Our foundations
Roots and structure for lasting action.
Founded on 18 October 2025, GOCEAN is registered under declaration receipt no. 00083/GRD/BAG, dated 8 April 2026.
Abdoulaye DIA
President
Mariama MBAYE
Secretary General
Philippe Henri HAZOUMÉ
Treasurer General
A cross-cutting priority
Core Setup & Institutional Strengthening
The institutional strengthening project supports GOCEAN’s development: governance, administrative and financial tools, an initial operational team, monitoring and evaluation, and learning from field experience. Research and innovation connect this foundation with community programmes.
Our networks
An island perspective within Dak’Clim.
GOCEAN is a member of Dak’Clim – Dakar agit pour le Climat. Our contribution draws on our roots in Gorée, close community work and the connections between climate, heritage, memory and justice. We seek to strengthen these perspectives through the platform’s collective initiatives.
Island and coastal voices
Bring island realities and coastal communities’ needs into climate dialogue and advocacy.
Climate, heritage and justice
Connect environmental action with memory, cultural heritage, dignity and human rights.
Youth and collective action
Build synergies in education, awareness and community mobilisation with other platform members.
We shape the future together