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Guinea-Bissau: WACA Harnesses Radio to Bring Environmental Information Closer to Communities
Between March and April 2026, the WACA project in Guinea-Bissau signed five cooperation agreements with community and national radio stations to strengthen public information and awareness on environmental and social issues across its intervention areas.
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The High Council for the Sea Strengthens the Capacities of Women in the Maritime Sector
From 23 to 25 June 2026, the High Council for the Sea, in collaboration with the Regional Implementation Support Unit of the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA BAR), hosted by IUCN, organised a capacity-building workshop for around 50 women working in the maritime sector. Over three days, participants deepened their knowledge of two major ocean governance instruments: the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and marine spatial planning.
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The Gambia Adopts Its First Climate Change Act with WACA's Support
The National Assembly of The Gambia has passed the country's first Climate Change Act, a landmark piece of legislation that marks a major step forward in strengthening climate resilience and environmental governance. The Act was developed with support from the WACA Project as part of its broader efforts to strengthen The Gambia's policy and institutional framework for climate resilience and environmental protection.
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WACA Reviews Its Priorities in Abidjan
From 6 to 10 July 2026, Abidjan is hosting the first annual meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the WACA projects.
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Guinea-Bissau: WACA Trains Journalists in Environmental Reporting
In February 2026, Guinea-Bissau’s Competent Environmental Assessment Authority, a WACA Project implementation partner in the country, organized a media awareness and capacity-building workshop on environmental and social assessment.
The initiative brought together 40 media professionals, including 23 women, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge and engagement in reporting and disseminating information on environmental and social issues, thereby promoting more responsible journalism.
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WACA and University of The Gambia Launch Kotu Stream Research
Students from the University of The Gambia's Department of Community Building and Design have begun a comprehensive study of the Kotu Stream under a US$100,000 grant from the WACA Project. The funding is provided through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between WACA and the University of The Gambia to support research on the stream's physical, historical, environmental, social and ecological characteristics, with a focus on flooding, erosion, pollution and solid waste management.
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President Barrow launches US$5 Million WACA livelihoods programme
His Excellency President Adama Barrow has officially launched the WACA Livelihoods Programme, a US$5 million initiative that will benefit up to 4,000 households along the Kotu Stream, the intervention area of the WACA Project in The Gambia. The programme is a key component of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA ResIP) in The Gambia.
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WACA Strengthens Land Management with Advanced Mapping Drones
Two DJI Phantom 4 RTK drones, procured by the WACA Project, have been handed over to the Department of Physical Planning and Housing under the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs. The handover ceremony took place at the MECCNAR Complex in the presence of senior government officials and technical staff.
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Infrastructure delivered, communities empowered
From the Saloum Delta to the shores of the Langue de Barbarie National Park, the WACA ResIP Senegal Project is delivering tangible results for coastal communities. The first quarter of 2026 marked the final handover of key infrastructure to both implementing partners and local communities.
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Senegal Adopts a National Strategy for Strengthened Coastal Governance
Senegal's coastline is under pressure. Coastal erosion, rapid urbanization and ecosystem degradation have long called for a stronger, more coordinated response. With support from the World Bank-financed WACA Project, the Government of Senegal has now taken a decisive step — bringing together government institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector and coastal communities around a shared framework for the future of its coast.
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Gorée Protected: Coastal Protection Works Near Completion
Gorée Island is one of West Africa's most iconic heritage sites — rich in history, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and long exposed to the growing threat of coastal erosion. Under the WACA ResIP Senegal Project, coastal protection works are now in their final stretch. As of 31 March 2026, the overall completion rate stands at 82%, with delivery expected by 30 June 2026.
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In Togo, WACA equips 128 groups to strengthen fishing, fish processing and market gardening activities
Seventy groups of fish processors and market gardeners from the Lacs 1 and Lacs 3 municipalities received work equipment this Wednesday through financing provided by the WACA ResIP project, for a total value of more than CFAF 26 million.
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Inclusive Blue Economy: The WACA program strengthens stakeholders’ capacities
From April 20 to 23, 2026, Nouakchott hosted a regional training-of-trainers workshop on inclusive blue economy, organized by the WACA Program through its Regional Support Office managed by the IUCN Regional Office for West and Central Africa (IUCN PACO). The workshop brought together around thirty participants from WACA ResIP 1, WACA ResIP 2 and WACA+ projects, as well as regional institutions and technical partners.
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WACA+: Protecting coastlines and creating sustainable jobs in West Africa
On April 28, 2026, at the 12th PRCM Regional Marine and Coastal Forum (FOMACO 2026) in Nouakchott, Mauritania, the World Bank Group officially launched
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Ms. Koffi, an entrepreneur thanks to the WACA project
In Groguidia, in the municipality of Grand-Lahou, Ms. Koffi now embodies one of the transformations made possible by the WACA project. As a beneficiary of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs), she has been able to launch her own attiéké production and sales business, sustainably improving her family’s living conditions.