Online workshop on integrated sediment management in WACA countries
Online workshop on integrated sediment management in WACA countries May 26, 2022 9:00-11:30am (UTC) English/French simultaneous interpretation provided.
Register Now
Coastal women commit to work with WACA for the development of their towns and villages
Women of Grand Lahou, Cote d’Ivoire, brainstorm on how to collaborate with WACA.
read more
Compendium : coastal management practices in West Africa
The report offers options for managing coastal risks. It presents best fit coastal management practices; assesses risk management techniques; and proposes hard engineering solutions along with nature based solutions.
read more
On the frontlines of climate change, small island states can lead in resilience
In São Tomé and Príncipe, where coastal communities experience flooding as many as 10 times a year, WACA has boosted flood resilience through sea walls and rock revetments, while working with communities on voluntary relocation to safer areas. Read this story on how small island are building resilience against climate change.
Read More
News & Events
The Forum gathered experts and high-level representatives across national institutions.
WACA and ORLOA partner to monitor coastal resilience in West Africa.
WACA and the university of cape coast are partners for innovation in coastal resilience.
The report offers options for managing coastal risks. It presents best fit coastal management.
Key Facts & Figures
-
56%
Coastline in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo subject to an average erosion of 1.8 m per year
-
US$1.4 billion
Cost of air, water and waste pollution cost in 2017 to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
-
13,000 deaths
Occur in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo primarily due to floods, air and water in 2017
-
$3.8 billion
The cost of erosion, flooding and pollution cost to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
-
56% GDP
Generated by West Africa Coastal Areas
COASTAL CHALLENGES IN WEST AFRICA
Coastal erosion and flooding in West Africa severely threaten people’s communities, livelihoods, safety and investments. About 56% of West Africa’s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where one-third of the population resides. Stronger storms and rising seas are wiping out homes, roads and buildings that have served as landmarks for generations. Some beaches are deeply mined for sand, protective mangroves are deforested, and people are increasingly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Some residents have no choice but to move away—a trend that is breaking up communities and changing the social fabric for future generations.
Rapid and often unplanned urbanization has devastated the natural landscape that once served as a buffer for erosion and flooding. These developments disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized, and will intensify due to climate change. While countries have started to contain erosion and flooding, there is an urgent need for partners to mobilize financing through coordinated regional action. Collaboration at the policy and technical levels helps countries to manage erosion hotspots, and to maintain the livelihoods that a healthy coastal ecosystem provides to people and economies.
