The Marketplace is open: A new Approach to Mobilizing Infrastructure Finance for Coastal Resilience
For many people living in West Africa, coastal environments are much more than fond memories.
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Dealing with Coastal Challenges Requires Big Push by Private Sector
The recent threats to Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site and my grandfather’s hometown, have particular resonance for me.
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The inaugural WACA Marketplace took place on November 18 and 19th in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
The six WACA countries unbundled their coastal multi-sector investment plans into project ideas.
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Our Ministers are Deepening their Engagement in Preserving our Coasts
I am pleased to announce that our ministers launched two new programs to preserve our coasts.
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News & Events
Coastal erosion and flooding in West Africa severely threaten communities and livelihoods.
The recent threats to Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World, have particular resonance for me.
For many people living in West Africa, coastal environments are much more than fond memories.
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire |
The six WACA countries unbundled their coastal multi-sector investment plans into project ideas.
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire |
The first WACA Marketplace will be held on November 18th,19th in Cote d’Ivoire by INVITATION ONLY.
Key Facts & Figures
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56%
Coastline in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo subject to an average erosion of 1.8 m per year
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US$1.4 billion
Cost of air, water and waste pollution cost in 2017 to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
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13,000 deaths
Occur in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo primarily due to floods, air and water in 2017
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$3.8 billion
The cost of erosion, flooding and pollution cost to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
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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.
