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.

Madji (left) spent her childhood on the beaches of Bargny Guedj, Senegal, but her grandfather's house where she stayed as a child no longer exists today, carried away by the waves.Thousands of people living along the coasts of West Africa share the same story as Madji. Beyond the shattered lives, this harsh consequence of erosion, pollution and floods is very expensive in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Togo.

Climate Change and Ocean Systems specialist, Professor Ove Hoegh-Gulderg, conveys his regret for being unable to attend the Blue Economy Conference in Mauritius. He emphasizes the important of urgent global action on climate change and ocean conservation to prevent a disastrous loss of ocean habit that will have very damaging consequences to people and the environment. The ocean is essential for life on earth, and supports millions of species and billions of people.

WACA  was presented as bringing key solutions to coastal resilience by World Bank Director, Karin Kemper (watch starting at 40:00) at a 24 hour Econothon.