WACA at the 12th PRCM Regional Marine and Coastal Forum (FOMACO 2026)

Strengthening market access to consolidate income-generating activities in Grand-Lahou

In Grand-Lahou, 40 beneficiaries of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) supported by the WACA project are strengthening their capacities to better access markets and expand their economic activities. A training workshop on market access brought together members of the Community Forest Platform and IGA beneficiaries to enhance their skills in marketing and product value addition.

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.

WACA+: Protecting coastlines and creating sustainable jobs in West Africa

Dagbe-Neva cooperative distributes first profits in Togo

MOMÉ-KATIHOÉ, Togo – On February 24, 2026, the 75 members of the Dagbe-Neva women’s cooperative gathered in their new, WACA-funded facility to celebrate a major milestone: the distribution of their first collective profits.

Specializing in the production of palm oil within the "Support to Women Transforming Palm Nuts" sub-project, the group—based in the Momé-Katihoé district of the Vo prefecture—has successfully transitioned from individual labor to a structured, income-generating business.
 

Spatial Analysis of Ecological Risks for WACA Projects along the Mauritania Coast

This publication presents an ecological spatial analysis of two World Bank–supported WACA sub-projects in Mauritania: the Nouadhibou Boat Parking Development and the Nouakchott Dune Rehabilitation Project. It assesses potential biodiversity impacts and critical habitats in coastal zones of global ecological importance, with a strong focus on migratory birds and sea turtles. The report finds limited risks to natural habitats, outlines targeted mitigation measures, and proposes practical net-gain actions to strengthen coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation.

Spatial Analysis of Ecological Risks associated with coastal stabilization and management works of the Mono River Mouth ‘‘Bouche du Roy’’ in Benin

Benin’s coastline is eroding at some of the highest rates in the world, putting ecosystems, livelihoods, and infrastructure at risk. This publication examines a proposed WACA ResIP sub-project at the Bouche du Roy, designed to reduce flooding and control erosion through engineered and nature-based solutions. It focuses on strengthening the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to better align with World Bank biodiversity standards and protect critical natural habitats.

Towards a regional scientific network serving marine and coastal areas

The Regional Partnership for the Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Zone in West Africa (PRCM) opened, on Wednesday 28 January in Dakar, a two-day workshop dedicated to the General Assembly of the Research and Education Network on Marine and Coastal Sciences.

The meeting brings together researchers, lecturers, experts and institutional partners from several West African countries. It marks a key milestone in efforts to better structure regional scientific research focused on marine and coastal ecosystems.

WACA supports ecotourism within the Gorée Marine Protected Area

As part of its efforts to strengthen coastal resilience, the WACA–Senegal project supported, in December, the organization of an ecotourism training workshop for the Management Committee of the Gorée Marine Protected Area (MPA), extended to local tourism stakeholders.

The Steering Committee approves the 2026 AWPB of the WACA ResIP–Togo Project

The Steering Committee of the West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project in Togo (WACA ResIP) held its second ordinary session of the year 2025 on 8 January 2026. The meeting was dedicated to the review and approval of the 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB).

Togo launches the creation of Its first Marine Protected Area

On September 30, 2025, in Agbodrafo, Togo officially launched the process of creating its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the WACA Project. This initiative aims to preserve threatened coastal ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of communities living along the coastline.

Cotonou hosts the 2025 second annual regional steering committee meeting of the WACA program

On 4 and 5 December 2025, Cotonou brought together representatives from the nine coastal countries involved in the WACA ResIP 1 and 2 program, alongside the UEMOA Commission, the World Bank, IUCN, the Abidjan Convention, CSE, PRCM, RAMPAO, and other regional partners. This second annual meeting of the regional steering committee (RSC) strengthened political and technical coordination around key coastal resilience challenges in West Africa. 

Senegal strengthens capacity on Nature-Based Solutions to protect Its coastline

A national capacity-building workshop on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for coastal resilience was held in Dakar from 8 to 12 December, at the initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition (METE) through the Directorate of Climate Change, Ecological Transition and Green Financing. Organized in collaboration with Invest International (Netherlands) and the Dutch expert consortium NL2120, the workshop benefited from the operational support of IUCN through the WACA program.

Regional Press Visit: WACA highlights its results in Mauritania

The WACA BAR organized a regional press visit in Mauritania, bringing together journalists and content creators from seven WACA ResIP countries, in collaboration with the WACA Project Implementation Unit (UGP Mauritania).

Community flood markers: a vital tool to protect populations from flooding

Reducing flood risks is one of the priority areas of intervention under the WACA projects. In this context, 31 community flood markers have been provided to the National Civil Protection Agency (ANPC) and installed in several localities downstream of the Mono River. Their purpose is to enable communities to monitor rising water levels in real time and take rapid safety measures when needed.