KNOWLEDGE & SOLUTIONS

The Knowledge Pillar of the WACA Platform is critical to identify needs and priorities for coastal resilience investments and to facilitate countries’ access to the best global expertise and knowledge. It is currently coordinated by the World Bank. Various knowledge products will be produced to guide intervention strategies in natural capital, nature-based and sustainable infrastructure solutions, new or updated WACA Multi-Sector Investment Plans, and migration and gender aspects. The Platform is developing long-term partnerships among countries, regional institutions, and global partners to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of initiatives and investments. Knowledge exchanges remain a key tool to enhance knowledge transfer. Currently coordinated by the World Bank, the Knowledge Pillar is being implemented with multiple partners through several initiatives, including:

The African Center of Excellence  for Coastal Resilience, or ACE CoR hosted by the University of Cape Coast, the WACA ACE CoR is leading the development of a network of academic and training institutions that will provide the courses, ,training, and cutting edge research needed for long-term development of regional expertise for resilient coastal management.

The West Africa Coastal Observatory: currently facilitated by the Centre de Suivi Ecologique and the International Union for Conservation of Nature building on the West Africa Coastal Management Scheme, the Observatory will produce a “State of the West Africa Coast Report” that will highlight biophysical and socioeconomic trends and indicate the actions needed to maintain healthy and productive coastal areas.

On Knowledge and Training the Platform is facilitating knowledge exchanges between countries within West Africa, and with countries beyond. The intent is to stimulate interest in new solutions and lessons from other countries, and at the same time apply these approaches to WACA countries’ multi-sector investment plans, local solutions, and new project designs.
 

Nature-based Solutions

The West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) is at the forefront of championing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle the urgent environmental and social challenges facing the region's coastline. With over 30 innovative projects spanning multiple countries, WACA’s initiatives embody sustainable approaches that restore ecosystems, protect vulnerable communities, and enhance resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The West African coastline is a dynamic yet fragile region, where communities face threats from coastal erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion. These challenges not only endanger human livelihoods but also deplete vital ecosystems like mangroves, dunes, and wetlands. WACA’s Nature-Based Solutions address these issues by leveraging natural processes and resources to provide long-term, adaptable solutions.

In Mauritania and Saint Louis, Senegal, dune restoration projects use a combination of biological and mechanical interventions, such as planting resilient vegetation and installing natural windbreakers. These efforts stabilize dunes, mitigate erosion, and protect agricultural lands from flooding. Similarly, in Togo and Benin, the innovative "sand engine" approach involves depositing large volumes of sand to naturally rebuild eroding coastlines, restoring up to 50 meters of beach in some areas.

Mangrove restoration has proven critical in places in the region, where communities have revitalized over 28, 215 hectares of mangroves to reduce flood risks and stabilize the coastline. These efforts not only shield local populations but also restore habitats that support biodiversity and sustain fisheries.

WACA’s NBS projects are designed to deliver multifaceted benefits, including environmental restoration, improved community livelihoods, and economic opportunities. In The Gambia, the Integrated Urban and Coastal Resilience Program combines coastal nourishment, green infrastructure, and tourism development to create a more robust and prosperous environment for its inhabitants.

Collaboration and local engagement are cornerstones of WACA’s success. By working with governments, local communities, and international experts, these projects ensure shared ownership and long-term viability. Lessons learned from each initiative highlight the importance of adapting solutions to local conditions and integrating community knowledge into planning and implementation.

WACA ResIP2 will be paying closer attention to the development of NbS in the WACA countries, for instance, a specific indicator accounting NbS solutions has been integrated in the Results Framework, using the IUCN global standard for NbS and the World Bank NbS scorecard 

Nature is a powerful tool in addressing interconnected threats to human well-being and ecosystem health. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can help restore ecosystems, support sustainable development, address the impacts of climate change, foster community engagement and participation, and preserve the livelihoods that healthy coastal ecosystems provide for people and economies. 

At its core, WACA’s Nature-Based Solutions demonstrate that environmental challenges can be addressed effectively through innovative, sustainable, and inclusive approaches. Together, these projects are reshaping West Africa’s coastal future—creating resilient communities and vibrant ecosystems that thrive together with nature. 

 

Related resources:

Report - Baseline study West African Case Studies for Coastal Nature Based Solutions (rvo.nl)
Webviewer - Baseline Inventory Study of Coastal Nature-based Solutions in West Africa (arcgis.com)
Factsheets - NBS Factsheets West Africa (hkv.nl)

 



 

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