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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WACA ResIP Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting Côte d’Ivoire

WACA ResIP Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting

Côte d’Ivoire

6–10 July 2026

17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Yerevan, Armenia

17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Yerevan, Armenia 19–30 October 2026

Establishment of National Coastal Civil Society Organization (CSO) Networks in Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau.

This activity aligns with PRCM’s support for the structuring of national CSO networks. These are the last two remaining countries within the PRCM region.

IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress 2027

The Congress is the premier global forum for setting the agenda for protected and conserved areas. 

The WACA Program at FOMACO 2026: training, solutions and results on the regional Stage

From April 27 to 30, 2026, the twelfth edition of the Regional Marine and Coastal Forum (FOMACO) brought together stakeholders engaged in the governance of marine and coastal resources across West Africa in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Organized by the PRCM, the WACA Program was represented by UEMOA, led by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment, alongside the WACA Regional Support Office (WACA BAR) hosted by IUCN PACO and the World Bank team supporting the program.

Ahead of the Forum: Four days of training on the inclusive blue economy

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.

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.

Beyond the Tide

Click here to download document 
 

Managing Beach Seine Impacts and Opportunities in Togo

Click to Open or download document