MEET OUR TEAM

We have teams working at national, regional, and program levels. Together, they provide countries with access to technical expertise and finance to support the sustainable development of the coastal zone. Our teams are here to accelerate action

The West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Resilience Investment Project (ResIP) represents a unified regional approach to tackling the complex and interconnected challenges of coastal degradation in West Africa. By promoting cross-country collaboration and integrating strategies across multiple sectors, WACA ResIP seeks to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities and ecosystems, addressing critical issues such as erosion, flooding, and environmental pollution.

Regional Integration and Collaboration

Recognizing that coastal issues transcend national boundaries, WACA ResIP promotes regional cooperation among West African countries. This approach facilitates the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices, enabling countries to collectively tackle common challenges. The project engages regional institutions like the West African Economic and Monetary Union , along with IUCN, PRCM, Ecologica Monitoring Center, the Adbijan Convention and RAMPAO to coordinate efforts and ensure cohesive action across the region.

Comprehensive Approach to Coastal Resilience

WACA ResIP employs a holistic strategy that combines policy reform, institutional strengthening, and on-the-ground physical and social interventions. By addressing the root causes of coastal degradation and implementing sustainable solutions, the project aims to protect and restore vital coastal ecosystems using soft and hard solutions. This includes activities such as dune stabilization, mangrove restoration, and the construction of protective infrastructure.

Community-Centric Interventions

At the heart of WACA ResIP's efforts is the well-being of coastal communities. The project emphasizes community engagement, ensuring that local populations are active participants in the planning and implementation of resilience measures. This participatory approach not only empowers communities but also ensures that interventions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.

Leveraging International Support

The success of WACA ResIP is bolstered by significant international support. The World Bank has approved substantial financing packages to support the project's objectives, including a $210 million package in 2018 and an additional $246 million in 2022. These funds are instrumental in scaling up resilience efforts and expanding the project's reach to more countries within the region. The program also involve a broad range of partners, joining WACA activities along the way, such as French Developent Agency, French Global Environmental Facility, Nordic Development Fund and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. 

Expanding Reach and Impact

Initially involving six countries—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, and Togo—WACA ResIP has expanded to include The Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau. This expansion reflects the project's commitment to addressing coastal challenges on a regional scale, ensuring that more communities benefit from enhanced resilience against climate-related threats. The team is now working on preparing a new operation, with a more specific focus on the Blue Economy. 

Innovative Financing Mechanisms

WACA ResIP leverages innovative financing mechanisms to support its initiatives. This includes mobilizing private sector finance for blue carbon credits, as announced at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). Such mechanisms are crucial for sustaining long-term resilience efforts and promoting sustainable economic development in coastal areas.