In November 2024, over 20 officials and coastal resilience experts from eight West African countries traveled to the Netherlands to study Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation. The study tour, organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Partners for Water Program, with support from EcoShape, NL2120, and Invest International, provided hands-on exposure to Dutch innovations in coastal and urban water management.

The delegation, representing Project Implementation Units (PIUs) and governments from WACA Resilience Investment Project countries—Benin, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, The Gambia, and Togo—engaged in an intensive knowledge exchange, exploring best practices for integrating natural systems into coastal protection.

A Shared Commitment to Coastal Resilience

Both West Africa and the Netherlands face pressing coastal challenges. While West Africa grapples with coastal erosion, urban flooding, and rising sea levels, the Netherlands has pioneered water management and coastal adaptation for centuries. This study tour facilitated direct learning from Dutch experience, allowing participants to assess how NbS projects could be adapted to their own regional contexts.

Site Visits: Learning from Dutch Expertise

Participants visited key project sites where Dutch engineers and environmental planners have successfully integrated nature into coastal protection and flood management:

• Hondsbossche Dunes – A former concrete seawall transformed into a dynamic dune system through large-scale sand nourishment, offering flood protection while enhancing biodiversity and recreation.
• Castricum Coastal Management – A site demonstrating the use of sand nourishment to maintain the coastline, blending engineering with natural processes.
• Biesbosch MuseumEiland & Noordwaard Polder – A prime example of the "Room for the River" program, where controlled flooding reduces urban flood risks while creating wetlands that restore biodiversity.
• Dordrecht Urban NbS (Vlijweide & Wantij) – Urban resilience projects featuring natural buffers that mitigate flooding and promote sustainable urban development.
• Lelystad Water Management Centre – A hub for coastal monitoring and early warning systems, offering insights into proactive disaster risk management.

Each visit provided practical insights into the effectiveness of NbS in reducing flood risks, restoring ecosystems, and benefiting local communities.

Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building

Beyond field visits, the program featured interactive workshops and technical discussions with Dutch experts from Rijkswaterstaat, EcoShape, NL2120, and Invest International. West African delegates shared case studies from their own countries, allowing for tailored feedback and fostering cross-regional learning.

Key themes explored included:

• Integrating NbS into existing coastal infrastructure
• Innovative financing models and stakeholder engagement
• Governance structures and policy frameworks for NbS
• Monitoring, evaluation, and long-term sustainability
• Enhancing biodiversity and ensuring gender-inclusive approaches

Building Lasting Partnerships

The tour was more than just an educational experience—it was a platform for collaboration. Networking sessions connected West African delegates with Dutch technical and financial partners, opening doors for future cooperation. By exchanging experiences and strategies, both regions strengthened their commitment to leveraging NbS for climate resilience.

Looking Ahead: Adapting Lessons for West Africa

The NbS Study Tour to the Netherlands exemplifies the power of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges. Delegates returned home equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the inspiration to adapt and implement NbS projects that align with their local needs.

As West African countries scale up efforts to safeguard coastal communities, lessons from the Netherlands offer a valuable blueprint. With continued collaboration, NbS can serve as a vital tool for building resilient, sustainable coastlines in the region.