News
The Tannou Crocodile Pond: A New Ecotourism Destination in Benin, Enabled by the WACA Project
Nestled in the Kissamey district of Aplahoué commune, the Tannou Crocodile Pond is emerging as must-visit ecotourism destination. Through the WACA Benin project, this unique natural site is being revitalized to to promote local heritage while improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
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Capitalization of WACA achievements: A three-step process
In the face of major challenges in West African coastal areas – erosion, flooding, pollution – the WACA Program has committed to strengthening community resilience through tailored solutions. After several years of field activities, it is essential to draw lessons from the interventions implemented to optimize their impact and inform future initiatives.
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Site Meetings: Strengthening Oversight of the Gbaga Channel Dredging
To mitigate coastal risks—particularly flooding—and enhance the resilience of Togolese and Beninese shorelines against climate change, mechanical dredging of the Gbaga channel and the restoration of its surrounding ecosystem are currently underway. This critical sub-project engages key stakeholders to ensure efficient implementation within the established timeline.
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Enhancing Soil Fertility through Biochar: A Sustainable Approach in Coastal Market Gardening
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has long been a concern for soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and human health risks. Addressing this challenge, the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project is promoting sustainable solutions to improve soil fertility in market gardening communities.
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International Coastal Cleanup Day Sparks Nationwide Action in The Gambia
On 21 September 2024, the National Environment Agency (NEA), supported by the WACA Project and partners, mobilized hundreds of volunteers to clean The Gambia's beaches. This coordinated effort brought together youth, security forces, and local organizations to combat waste pollution and safeguard the coastal environment.
Dr. Muhammed Lamin Sanyang, WACA Gambia Project Coordinator, emphasized the project's commitment:
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WACA Empowers Gambian Youth at Local Conference on Climate Change
The WACA Project partnered with young climate advocates to host the Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY) in The Gambia, empowering over 200 participants to shape local climate action. The conference, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center from 14–15 September 2024, highlighted the Kotu Stream as a focal point for discussions on building community resilience to climate change.
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Global Partnerships for Coastal Resilience: Japan and the University of Cape Coast
Coastal regions face increasing threats from climate change, erosion, and environmental degradation. West Africa is no exception, grappling with rising sea levels, severe erosion, and sediment mismanagement, which threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. Recognizing these challenges, the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Program has championed the establishment of the Japan Knowledge Center.
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Nouakchott facing coastal erosion: Urgent actions needed to protect the capital
The Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, one of the most climate-vulnerable cities along the Mauritanian coast, is confronting heightened risks from rising sea levels and coastal erosion. A tidal wave in 1997 exposed the fragility of the coastline, and today, uncontrolled sand extraction has severely degraded the dune cordon that once shielded the city—especially in the districts of Sebkha, Tevragh Zeïna, and El Mina.
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Gambia Adopts New National Disaster Risk Management Policy After 12-Year Gap, Backed by WACA Funding
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and stakeholders have validated The Gambia National Disaster Risk Management Policy 2024-2033, marking the end of a twelve-year gap without a disaster management policy. The WACA Project funded the policy's development, which involved extensive national and community consultations.
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WACA Project Brings New Hope to Flood-Affected Families in The Gambia
The WACA Project is set to transform the lives of families along the Kotu Stream, a flood-prone area in The Gambia’s Greater Banjul Area. The intervention targets communities that face regular inundation and economic hardship due to constrained waterways and uncontrolled human activity.
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Grand-Lahou Sand Spit Stabilization Project Engages Communities in Côte d’Ivoire
Local authorities in Côte d’Ivoire are set to stabilize the Grand-Lahou sand spit over an 11-month period, concluding in December 2025. A comprehensive awareness and engagement strategy is supporting the project, ensuring community safety and full participation as environmental changes unfold.
Key Project Measures and Community Involvement
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West African Delegation Explores Dutch Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience
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.
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Côte d’Ivoire: Income-Generating Activities as a Pillar of Community Resilience of Grand-Lahou
Coastal erosion and climate change have placed immense pressure on Grand-Lahou and Côte d'Ivoire communities, threatening livelihoods and ecosystems. The WACA Project tackles these challenges not only through physical interventions but also by empowering communities economically. Its Income-Generating Activities (IGA) initiative, a program's cornerstone, has transformed lives, bolstered economic resilience, and strengthened social cohesion for 1,219 individuals across 416 beneficiaries.
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The Gambia Hosts Regional Advocacy Workshop to Strengthen Coastal Resilience
From December 3 to 6, 2024, The Gambia hosted a regional training workshop on advocacy under the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) initiative. Organized by UICN/WACA BAR, the event brought together communication and institutional development specialists from nine coastal countries. The primary goal was to build capacity and craft strategies to protect critical ecosystems and support vulnerable coastal communities.
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Nouakchott Coastline Mapping to Enhance Resilience Efforts
Nouakchott's vulnerable coastline is set to undergo precise mapping thanks to an advanced LIDAR survey launched under the West Africa Coastal Management Program (WACA) initiative. This effort aims to strengthen coastal resilience by providing a detailed view of the shoreline's condition, from the new conference center down to the southern edge of Nouakchott Port in Mauritania.