Each year, the Dakar has intensified responsible actions at the bivouac, working in particular on decarbonised energy sources, as well as systematic collection and sorting of waste. It has also been offsetting organisation related CO² emissions since 2009, which it has extended, since 2022, to all of its stakeholders.
Low-carbon energy. Soft mobility schemes have been put in place on the bivouac (with a fleet of electric scooters, etc.), as well as the use of biofuel for certain generators used by the organisers, or solar-powered generators to power part of the lighting. The medium-term objective is for the bivouac to entirely carbon energy free.
Collection, sorting and recycling. For several years, waste management has involved the installation of adapted waste sorting bins (aluminium, plastic, cardboard and paper). On the 2023 edition, use of plastic was reduced by 82% regarding catering (159,250 wooden utensils and containers ordered). For special waste (used oil, etc.), a “green point” has been set up for collection in order to preserve the soil and enable it to be transported to specialised treatment facilities. As a Dakar partner, BF Goodrich works to recover and recycle tyres and has also launched the “Clean Desert” campaign at the finish of the last special on the rally, in conjunction with a local university.
Furthermore, the bivouac is systematically cleaned after the caravan moves on to its next destination..
In tandem with the reduction of its environmental footprint, the Dakar offsets 100% of organisation related CO² emissions since 2009. This offsetting has been extended to all the event’s stakeholders (scopes 1 and 2) via VERRA standard certified international programmes.
In Africa, the Dakar enabled humanitarian projects to come into existence: building permanent infrastructure to make land suitable for cultivation, construction of the Thierry Sabine health and maternity centre in Niaga, etc.
In South America, the Dakar supported the REDD Madre de Dios project, to promote social well-being, health and education of children in schools in Inapari (Peru) as well as the South American association TECHO, via more than 400 social projects.
Today, the Dakar’s commitment to local associations continues in Saudi Arabia: Help Center and Eta’am.
Since 2021, the Dakar has been supporting Help Center, which promotes inclusion and helps young Saudis with physical and mental disabilities. In particular, it helps to finance sports equipment for the young members of the “Desert Gazelles” team, so that they can train and compete in the best possible conditions.
Find out here about all the programmes backed by Help Center.
The Dakar has been working for 4 years to reduce food waste. Redistribution of food not eaten on the bivouac is organised and benefits a local association, Eta’am, supported by the Saudi Food Bank.
The Dakar also redistributes the organisation’s surplus clothing supplies. They are offered to the teenagers assisted by Help Center or given to the volunteers working for Eta’am. This year, this local redistribution also included the donation of parkas, fleece jackets and tents for the French association Entourage which works to help excluded people, most of whom are homeless.