The quest for resilience through Ivory Coast community forests
Community forests also contribute to biodiversity by helping to restore local ecosystems. They also act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The benefits are very tangible for local residents, as they improve their socio-economic conditions.
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3rd Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment, Accra, Nov 6-8
This conference will tackle the following thematic: Inclusive Blue Economy in Africa.
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WACA plastic reports launch today
This launch signifies a turning point in our collective understanding of the plastic pollution crisis, as the WACA Plastic Reports present not only a diagnosis of the problem but also a roadmap to sustainable solutions.
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WACA plastic reports launch: July 13 Nouakchott, Mauritania
Reports present impacts of plastic pollution, opportunities for a circular economy, Senegal's management of PET bottles, with an e-book on resources.
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Reports on mangroves economics and role of women
WACA launches four technical reports on mangroves in Ghana and Guinea Conakry. They estimate economic value and help understand the role of women in mangroves’ conservation and restoration.
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St Peter’s church serves as the starting point for a yearly ritual invoking God’s protection for…
Picture of community forest in Grand-Lahou contribute to biodiversity and restore local ecosystems.
Women receiving utility vehicle and processing equipment.
The WACA project empowering resilient fish seller, Yaye Alimatou Guèye, in Mauritania.
Plastic waste in West Africa's coastal areas is causing problems for local communities.
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.
