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)