The Gambia Strengthens Capacity for Nature-Based Solutions to Urban and Coastal Challenges

From May 26 to 30, 2025, a national training workshop was held in Bakau under the WACA program to enhance the capacity of Gambian stakeholders to apply nature-based solutions (NbS) for urban and coastal resilience. The Project Management Unit in The Gambia organized the event with technical support from IUCN, the NL2120 consortium, and the World Bank. Nearly 50 participants attended, representing government agencies, academic institutions, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

Government publishes First Draft of Gambia’s Groundbreaking national land policy

The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs has released the first draft of the much-anticipated Gambia’s first-ever National Land Policy, funded by the WACA Project. The policy was published on the Ministry’s website in March for public comments.

Major Project Milestone: WACA launches feasibility studies and design of the Kotu stream

The WACA Project has launched feasibility studies and detailed engineering design for the Kotu Stream, marking a major milestone in the project’s efforts to restore and reprofile the Stream. Following an extensive and rigorous recruitment process, a joint venture of three firms – including one local – led by HydroNova was selected in February 2025 to conduct the studies within 12 months.

WACA ResIP Supports Market Gardeners and Fish Vendors in Gbodjomé–Sanvie Kondji

On May 14, 2025, in Agbodrafo, the WACA ResIP program officially handed over essential work equipment to 30 fish vendor groups and 40 market gardener groups from the Lacs 1 and 3 municipalities. The initiative is part of a social sub-project aimed at strengthening the resilience of local communities along the Gbodjomé–Sanvie Kondji coastline, where coastal erosion has disrupted key economic activities.

Towards sustainable management of the Baie de l’Étoile nature reserve

On April 10-11, 2025, a stakeholder consultation workshop took place in Nouadhibou to establish a coordinated management approach for the Baie de l’Étoile Nature Reserve. Organized by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, with support from the WACA project, this event represented an important step forward in the preservation of this vital coastal ecosystem.

Togo Validates Environmental Audit of Agbodrafo–Sanvee Condji Coastline

On May 15, 2025, Togo’s Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources validated the environmental and social audit report for coastal protection works along the Agbodrafo–Sanvee Condji segment. The validation followed a site visit by an ad hoc committee, which reviewed infrastructure progress and assessed compliance with the project’s environmental and social commitments.

São Tomé hosts a knowledge exchange mission on environmental and social safeguards under the WACA program

From May 5–10, 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe hosted a regional knowledge exchange on environmental and social safeguards under the WACA Program. The mission brought together safeguard, social development, and gender specialists from The Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau—countries newly integrated into the ResIP 2 phase.

Organized by IUCN through the WACA Regional Support Office (WACA-BAR), the visit aimed to strengthen the capacities of new project teams by building on São Tomé’s experience implementing safeguard measures under ResIP 1.

In Grand-Lahou, fishermen return to sea with support from the WACA project

Fishermen in Grand-Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire, are back at sea thanks to new motorized canoes provided through the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Program. On April 3, 2025, the project handed over four artisanal boats to three local fishing cooperatives as part of efforts to restore livelihoods disrupted by coastal stabilization works.

WACA-Togo supports Its partner radios to strengthen community-based communication

As part of efforts to enhance community awareness on environmental issues along the Togolese coastline, the WACA-Togo project has taken a new step by equipping 11 partner local radio stations with digital tablets. This gesture is part of a broader initiative to actively support the production of high-quality multimedia content — illustrated reports, videos, audio, and photos — which are essential in today’s digital era.

Protecting Nouakchott: Mauritania Seals Critical Coastal Breaches

Mauritania is stepping up efforts to protect its coastline from the growing threat of erosion and marine intrusion. On March 10, 2025, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, alongside partners from the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA), led an inauguration ceremony to mark the successful closure of three critical breaches in the coastal dune barrier protecting Nouakchott.

In Agbanakin, Restoring a Waterway — and Creating New Livelihoods

In Agbanakin, a riverside village in Benin’s Lacs 2 municipality, local communities are not only helping restore the Gbaga channel — they are finding new ways to turn this environmental effort into economic opportunity.

Fourteenth Conference of the Parties to the Abidjan Convention

Fourteenth Conference of the Parties to the Abidjan Convention, which will take place from 27 to 29 May 2025 in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Opportunities

Welcome to our Opportunities page! Here, you’ll find the latest openings and announcements related to our projects. We regularly publish tenders, job vacancies, internships, and various calls for proposals. Whether you're a business looking to collaborate, a professional seeking employment, or a student eager for hands-on experience, this is your go-to space for exciting opportunities. Stay updated and explore ways to be part of our growing network.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON

Looking Back: Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Blue Economy Readiness in West Africa (April 2024 Retrospective)

April 2024 was a milestone month for coastal resilience in West Africa. World Bank teams working under the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Program worked alongside regional partners to advance shared priorities: building capacity, strengthening collaboration, and promoting innovation through nature-based solutions and the blue economy.

Nature-Based Solutions in Action

First Annual Meeting of the Regional Project Steering Committee (WACA ResIP2)

Description: At its second annual meeting in 2024, the CRP selected Guinea-Bissau as the host for its first annual meeting in 2025. The preparatory meeting of Project Management Unit Coordinators will take place on June 16–17, 2025. The CRP meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2025, followed by a field visit on June 19, 2025.

Location: Bissau

Partners: UEMOA