A Global Environment Fund project called The Restoration Initiative (TRI) in Guinea-Bissau aims to reverse this trend by strengthening food security on the one hand and restoring the mangroves on the other.
Nigeria’s coastal and marine area lies on the Atlantic Ocean and borders the gulf of Guinea. It stretches for approximately 853km and includes nine states out of the thirty-six states of the Federation, namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers (1).
The World Bank study on The Cost of Coastal Zone Degradation in West Africa shows that in 2017 alone, coastal flooding, erosion, and pollution cost about $3.8 billion, or 5.3% of the GDP of four countries – Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Togo.
Making evidence-based decisions regarding coastal environments, infrastructure, and natural resources and their interaction with people requires accurate data. Because of the nature of coastal phenomena and their impacts on livelihoods and the environment, integrated systems that collect and share data regionally and focus on coastal areas and marine conditions, land use, climate patterns, and natural hazards are needed.
The West African coastal zone hosts critical natural resources and habitats that provide important ecosystem services. The area’s natural resources play vital roles in the functioning of the shoreline, providing natural protection against erosion, pollution, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.
Coastal erosion is a naturally occurring process that is accelerated by human impacts. Artificial stabilization of the shoreline, the deterioration of natural formations, the construction of infrastructure, the extraction of materials, and the proliferation of dams deprive fragile coastal areas of important sediment deposits, which leads to erosion.
The West African coastline is home to major industries, mining activities, peri-urban and agro-industry, and tourism, as well as urban and seaside residences, all of which generate waste and cause pollution. Many areas along the coast also lack adequate wastewater and solid waste management systems.
The effects of climate change—from changing precipitation patterns to rising seas—will exacerbate the coastal erosion already affecting West Africa.
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The boundaries, colors, denominations and any other information shown on this map do not imply, on the part of The World Bank Group, any judgment on the legal status of any territory, or any endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries