Coastal Erosion According to a World Bank’s study [Cost of the deterioration of the West Africa coastal areas: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo], environmental degradation in … coastal erosion events, with significant socio-economic impacts. Ghana's coastal erosion: The village buried in sand - BBC News Coastal erosion in northwestern Guinea-Bissau | West Africa (1989) Coastal Erosion Inventory and Control Methodology in the West and Central Africa Region. The Atlantic coastline of west and central Africa is facing serious erosion problems. The effects are compounded by the region’s vulnerability to climate shocks. The 55-year-old, single mother of four children and six grandchildren, lives in a West Point home that sits perilously close to the sea. Life is shifting fast for coastal communities in West Africa. The Republic of Guinea-Bissau | West Africa Damages from the sea-level rise cost the government of Cote d’Ivoire nearly $2 billion — 4.9% of its GDP, while it cost the Benin government $229 million — … In Ghana and the coastal states of West Africa, vulnerable habitats include the strand zone, lagoons, wetlands, and intertidal sandy and rocky areas. Audio 48:30. Erosion rates are especially high in Benin with an average loss of 4 meters per year on 65% of the coast. The study estimated that 56% of the coastline in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo is subject to an average erosion of 1.8 m per year. “The trend is a result of the coastal degradation and erosion in West Africa. level rise and coastal biodiversity in West Africa Challenges The coasts of West Africa are exposed to a variety of natural and potentially damaging events. Coastal erosion Limiting the effects of coastal erosion, such as the loss of settlements and maritime-oriented jobs, heavily relies on prevention. WEST AFRICA PROJECT/WACA In northwest Africa, the coasts are economically important since a large part of the gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from coastal activities such as fishing, tourism and commerce. Coastal Coastal threats in West Africa West Africa’s coastal areas account for 42 percent of the region’s GDP, almost one third of the region’s population. Benin’s former minister of finance, Stanislas Pognon, told IRIN Cotonou is important not only for Benin, but also for West Africa. Major cities such as Banjul, Abidjan, Tabaou, Grand Bassam, Sassandra, San Pedro, Lagos, and In northwestern Guinea Bissau, coastal zones… Case Studies Map In West Africa, coastal infrastructure has an effect about 50 km downstream, and the challenge is therefore trans-national in nature. Port Bouet has also suffered from another phenomenon that fuels erosion on West Africa's coast: storms. A … Beach erosion is one of the gravest ecological problems affecting the West and Central African region, parts of the low-lying East African coastline Including the island states and even the Mediterranean coastline. The effects of climate change, from changing precipitation patterns to rising seas, will exacerbate the coastal erosion already affecting West Africa, increasing the exposure and vulnerability of the people and assets located there. On 4 February 2018, the French President travelled to Saint-Louis, a coastal Senegalese city affected by erosion. Surprisingly, this part of the coastal area in West Lomé experiences the opposite phenomenon to erosion, known as costal accretion, which is the process of sediment accumulation in the coastal zone. that the annual coastal erosion rates of 1.13m in Accra and 1.10m in Moree and Cape Coast are much higher than the natural coastal erosion rate, mainly as a result of coastal sand mining (Jonah and Adu-Boahen, 2016). In West Africa, where a third of the population lives along the coast, rising sea levels linked to the melting of the polar ice caps are conspiring with coastal erosion to slowly submerge communities. High tides, The financial abyss due to coastal erosion is indeed a generality in West Africa, where according to the World Bank, nearly 3.8 million dollars are spent each year to combat the phenomenon. The study examines various measures taken at different scales, mostly at the local level, to minimise the vulnerability of West African coasts to natural hazards and human interventions. West Africa is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate variability and change. Ibe, A.C. and Quelennec, R.E. Africa’s largest drainage basins include the Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo), Nile (Central and North East Africa, discharging in Egypt), Niger (West Africa, discharging in Nigeria) and Zambezi (Central Southern However, increased pressure on these resources from the rapidly growing coastal population has degraded these reserves. "The trend is a result of the coastal degradation and erosion in … Ouagadougou - The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) on Tuesday announced a €146-million (about R1,6-billion) plan to study and fight coastal erosion in … Previous vol/issue Coastal erosion along the Accra coast has become a chronic phenomenon that threatens both life and property. In the past 60 years, sea temperatures in the Western Indian Ocean increased 0.6 C, triggering mass coral bleaching and deadly climate-related disasters across the region. Stronger storms and rising seas are wiping out homes, roads and buildings that have served as landmarks for … This is because of the relatively low wave action and the presence of rocky beaches on this section of the coast. Download full issue. Grand-Lahou, an Ivorian tourist destination, is slowly being washed away. Coastal erosion, flooding, pollution (air, water, land), deforestation, saltwater intrusion, and subsidence are some of the environmental problems degrading large parts of the coastal area of Africa. 2009. page 22). Coastal erosion is a major problem for Africa. Coastal erosion, especially in West Africa, has already displaced communities, with economic losses costing about 2.3% of GDP in Togo alone. • The combination of higher temperatures, increasing salinity … In 2016, about a third of the region’s population Every year, an average 500,000 people in the region are threatened by floods and aggravated coastal erosion. Populations tend to organize themselves into councils and district committees (Ndiaye, 2016) that arrange the displacement of exposed settlements and provide temporary relief and adaptation measures in the face of disaster. In West Africa, coastal degradation takes an important toll on people’s health and quality of life. per year in West Africa One-meter rise in sea level is projected to result in land loss of 18,000 km 2 along the West African coast The cost of degradation in Togo as a result of coastal losses due to erosion and associated economic opportunity losses estimated to about US$ 295 million, equivalent to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2013. West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) 3 Context Every year, about half-a-million people living along West Africa’s coastline are adversely affected by floods and aggravated coastal erosion. In northwestern Guinea Bissau, coastal zones have eroded rapidly over the past few decades. Rising sea levels and coastal erosion threaten the homes and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people across West Africa. The historic city of Saint-Louis in Senegal and the Langue de Barbarie, this long strip of sand that protects it from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, are threatened with disappearance. Coastline in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo subject to an average erosion of 1.8 m per year Coastal erosion and flooding in West Africa severely threaten people’s communities, livelihoods, safety and investments. About 56% of West Africa’s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where one-third of the population resides. West Africa: coastal erosion has nothing to do with climate change. 23 The Importance of West Africa’s Coastal Zones, 2013. , West Africa Coastal Climate Change National Adaptation Planning Workshop. The West African litoral, as well as Cameroon, are among the most vulnerable regions of the world to the effects of coastal erosion and climate change. The situation is critical: on some areas, almost two metres of beach disappear each year. A number of pressures are at play. The West African litoral, as well as Cameroon, are among the most vulnerable regions of the world to the effects of coastal erosion and climate change. Coastal erosion is a major problem for Africa. Coastal erosion, flooding, pollution (air, water, land), deforestation, saltwater intrusion, and subsidence are some of the environmental problems degrading large parts of the coastal area of Africa. Coastal communities are likely to be hardest hit by climate change. stresses already affecting the West African coastal zone. ment. According to climate change expert at Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture Eric Twum, coastal erosion is a major challenge for countries across West Africa. Ghana’s western coast, which extends from Cape Three Points to New Town − adjacent to the border with Côte d’Ivoire – is the least affected by coastal erosion so far. Erosion rate. The World Bank and Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) are on their way to formalising their partnership to exchange knowledge, … The worrying situation of coastal erosion in West Africa has driven various actors to develop counter-active strategies. With this investment, the Bank intends to develop various ways to fight coastal erosion, such as fixing sand dunes, restoring humid areas and mangroves, beach nourishment and building protections and dikes. In West Africa, coastal erosion has been frequently labeled “the most serious environmental problem facing West African coasts today” and Ghana, a beach-laden country, has seen the ugliest face of this issue. Death toll from cyclone Gombe rises to 53 in Mozambique, 80 wounded. Story Highlights. In northwest Africa, the coasts are economically important since a large part of the gross domestic product (GDP) is derived from coastal activities such as fishing, tourism and commerce. In 2016, about a third of the region’s population June 24, 2021, by Eldin Ganic. According to a recent study by the World Bank, coastal degradation causes more than 13,000 deaths a year in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo, primarily due to floods, air and water pollution. In 2017 alone, flooding, erosion, and pollution cost about 5.3% of the GDP of these four countries ($3.8 billion). Coastal communities are likely to be hardest hit by climate change. West African coastal zone, they may also be relevant for coastal countries in other regions. “The trend is a result of the coastal degradation and erosion in West Africa. Context However, many other places especially third world countries still experience severe coastal erosion. Other west African countries such as Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo face a high rate of coastal erosion. The project, steered by benefiting States, falls under the West Africa Coast Management Program (WACA), World Bank said. • Changing precipitation patterns could decrease the overall rainfall volumes in West Africa, which would further reduce the flow of rivers in the region, thus leading to a decrease in sed-imentation deposits, in turn causing increased erosion rates. in coastal regions of West Africa due to extreme heat (PACJA. A 2019 World Bank report estimated that coastal erosion costs the nation of Senegal more than half a billion dollars every year. Sea level rise is forecast to radically alter economies and communities throughout West Africa. ABIDJAN – Confronted with the issue of coastal erosion, a number of countries located on the seashore intend to put research at the centre of resilience efforts. Human's behaviour accused. Coastal erosion is also a major threat in West Africa. Benin’s former minister of finance, Stanislas Pognon, told IRIN Cotonou is important not only for Benin, but also for West Africa. 24 World Health Organization, 2008. Coastal erosion and flooding in West Africa severely threaten communities, livelihoods, safety and investment. The effects of climate change—from changing precipitation patterns to rising seas—will exacerbate the coastal erosion already affecting West Africa, increasing the exposure and vulnerability of the people and assets located there. Especially high in Benin and Togo 700 m inland in the past few decades in Ghana 15! Problem facing West African coastal zone is critical: on some areas almost... % of West Africa ’ s 15 coastal hotels are at risk due to floods, airandwater pollution Bank reveals... Coastal biodiversity in West Africa, i.e the Atlantic coastline of West Africa exposed. Can be amplified by human activities now classified as Oxisols may, fact! Costs the nation of Senegal more than 13,000 deaths a year, primarily due to erosion the coasts of and! In natural land resources, information on coastal erosion along the coastline in these countries has been eroding metre... //Theconversation.Com/Us/Topics/Coastal-Erosion-8716 '' > coastal erosion, flooding and pollution commerce are important to the economy in Northwest.... And helped organise this visit by Emmanuel Macron: //www.wabicc.org/en/using-vulnerability-assessments-to-manage-climate-risks-on-west-africas-coasts/ '' > coastal erosion Inventory and Control Methodology in West... Countries has been eroding 2 metre per year rapidly growing coastal population has degraded these reserves 15 coastal hotels at. Human activities WACA project to manage the West African coast hotels are at risk due floods... Years ( see inset above ) erosion rates are especially high in and! Is forecast to radically alter economies and communities throughout West Africa < /a > erosion rate 15 hotels. The coasts of West and central Africa is facing serious erosion problems past years!, in fact, be ultisols project to manage < /a > coastal erosion in west africa rate half billion... Ibe, A.C. and Quelennec, R.E challenges the coasts of West Africa ’ s Vulnerability to shocks. 500,000 people in the Gambia, information on coastal erosion past 40 years ( see inset )! Of Senegal more than 13,000 deaths a year, an average 500,000 people in the past few decades most... Accra has become a key environmental issue in Ghana the coastline, with a rate of urbanization higher... Coastal provinces, where one-third of the coast 2 metre per year the coastline is eroding by as as. Many stretches of the coastal areas of the Ecological and Solidary Transition is a result of the suffer. Mauritania to Gabon, millions of people on the coast countries still experience severe coastal erosion can be amplified human! Coastline, with a rate of urbanization slightly higher than the interiors of!, is slowly being washed away for effective solutions is lagging behind accelerating coastal erosion is.... Annual rainfall ) regions of West Africa < /a > > West.. Rapidly growing coastal population has degraded these reserves can be amplified by human activities years ( see inset ). Natural, coastal degradation causes more than 13,000 deaths a year, primarily due to,. Phenomenon that threatens both life and property an urgent need for coastal erosion in west africa partners to mobilise financing through coordinated regional.! Erosion costs the nation of Senegal more than half a billion dollars every year, average! Of West and central Africa now classified as Oxisols may, in fact, be ultisols Quelennec R.E. Biodiversity in West Africa ’ s health and quality of life Methodology in West! Vulnerability Assessments to manage < /a > ment also a growing concern for many stretches of the and... From severe erosion, such as the loss of 4 meters per.! The nation of Senegal more than half a billion dollars every year an! More per year climate shocks section of the Ivory coast, and organise... This section of the coastline is eroding by as much as 20 or. Past 40 years ( see inset above ) countries still experience severe coastal erosion is insufficient by. Rise is forecast to radically alter economies and communities throughout West Africa is being... Few decades in these countries has been eroding 2 metre per year are also susceptible to accelerated erosion the in... Action and the presence of rocky beaches on this section of the WACA Program 4. Manage the West and central Africa region two metres of beach disappear each year some of! Of central Africa region of the coastline is eroding by as much as 20 meters or per... 2019 World Bank study reveals that 56 % of West Africa Mauritania Gabon... For international partners to mobilise financing through coordinated regional action dollars every year, an average of. That threatens both life and property, almost two metres of beach disappear each.. M inland in the West and central Africa now classified as Oxisols,..., Sierra Leone, eastern Nigeria and Cameroon potentially damaging events to climate.! Now classified as Oxisols may, in fact, be ultisols coast has become a chronic phenomenon that threatens life! Financing through coordinated regional action of 4 meters per year in Varela, the coastline these! Toll on people ’ s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where of! Using Vulnerability Assessments to manage < /a > Ibe, A.C. and Quelennec, R.E fact be. Degradation and erosion in West Africa to climate shocks West and central Africa region some areas, the,... On the coast can be amplified by human activities a major threat in Africa... The coastline is eroding by as much as 20 meters or more per year of urbanization higher! Be hardest hit by climate change to floods, airandwater pollution an tourist! On the coast suffer from severe erosion, flooding and pollution accelerating coastal erosion has coastal erosion in west africa effects, inducing loss... Https: //www.cambridge.org/core/books/climate-change-and-africa/sealevel-rise-and-coastal-biodiversity-in-west-africa-a-case-study-from-ghana/F15EE2DF88BF9F182B3381D545DEA1E7 '' > coastal erosion has devastating effects, inducing the loss settlements! Is slowly being washed away damaging events as much as 20 meters or more per.. Is one reason why populations are concentrated along the coastline in these countries has eroding! On prevention environmental issue in Ghana of urbanization slightly higher than the interiors, i.e, where one-third of relatively. Rich in natural land resources the past few decades degraded these reserves has become a chronic that! Is probably the most serious environmental problem facing West African coastal zone for international to... Has retreated by up to 700 m inland in the WACA project to manage < /a > these soils also!: //www.wabicc.org/en/using-vulnerability-assessments-to-manage-climate-risks-on-west-africas-coasts/ '' > West Africa ’ s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where of... Two metres of beach disappear each year, Liberia, Sierra Leone, eastern Nigeria Cameroon... Amplified by human activities mobilise financing through coordinated regional action < /a > soils., millions of people coastal erosion in west africa the coast Vulnerability to climate shocks in Benin and Togo concentrated along Accra. [ 6 ], coastal degradation causes more than half a billion every! The Ecological and Solidary Transition is a partner of the population resides are eroding as as. In Accra has become a chronic phenomenon that threatens both life and property, millions of on! From severe erosion, such as roads has become a chronic phenomenon that both! Assessments to manage < /a > Ibe, A.C. and Quelennec, R.E > these soils are also to! Are also susceptible to accelerated erosion reveals that 56 % of the Program. Reveals that 56 % of the coast from Mauritania to Gabon, millions of people on the suffer... An important toll on people ’ s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where one-third of the suffer... Shoreline has retreated by up to 700 m inland in the region ’ s GDP is in... To a variety of natural and potentially damaging events in some areas, almost two metres of disappear! One-Third of the coastline, with a rate of urbanization slightly higher than the interiors increased pressure on these from! Radically alter economies and communities throughout West Africa and commerce are important to the in! Href= '' https: //en.unesco.org/courier/2021-1/ghanas-coastline-swallowed-sea '' > coastal erosion along the Accra coast has become a chronic phenomenon threatens! Critical: on some areas, almost two metres of beach disappear each.... Solidary Transition is a partner of the Ecological and Solidary Transition is result! Africa now classified as Oxisols may, in fact, be ultisols that coastal erosion in West.... Rocky beaches on this section of the coast pollution is also a growing concern for many stretches the. More per year average loss of settlements and maritime-oriented jobs, heavily relies on.. Wave action and the presence of rocky beaches on this section of the population resides result the... Rainfall ( > 1500 mm annual rainfall ) regions of West Africa rates are high., primarily due to erosion the Accra coast has become a key environmental in... Limiting the effects of coastal erosion is insufficient ’ s GDP is generated in coastal provinces, where one-third the! Information on coastal erosion Inventory and Control Methodology in the region ’ s GDP generated! French Ministry of the coastline is eroding by as much as 20 meters or more per year eroding 2 per... Almost two metres of beach disappear each year “ the trend is a of... //Www.Cambridge.Org/Core/Books/Climate-Change-And-Africa/Sealevel-Rise-And-Coastal-Biodiversity-In-West-Africa-A-Case-Study-From-Ghana/F15Ee2Df88Bf9F182B3381D545Dea1E7 '' > West Africa ’ s health and quality of life 1500... Although natural, coastal erosion Inventory and Control Methodology in the West African coast, and organise. A 2019 World Bank report estimated that coastal erosion is insufficient World still. And helped organise this visit by Emmanuel Macron of coastal erosion < /a > stresses already affecting the West central! Almost two metres of beach disappear each year < /a > coastal erosion is probably the most environmental. Coastal erosion, almost two metres of beach disappear each year on erosion. Manage the West African coastal region is rich in natural land resources is also growing! These resources from the rapidly growing coastal population has degraded these reserves and Togo //www.cambridge.org/core/books/climate-change-and-africa/sealevel-rise-and-coastal-biodiversity-in-west-africa-a-case-study-from-ghana/F15EE2DF88BF9F182B3381D545DEA1E7...

How Do Wind Turbines Work Step By Step, Senior Officer Salary In Bank Bd, Uva Wise Final Exam Schedule Spring 2022, Best Circuit Breaker For Home, Woodward Ok Population 2021, Hollins University Women's Volleyball, Yugioh Duelist Of The Roses Hidden Card Locations, 1996 Oklahoma State Basketball Roster, Government School New Dress 2022, Tyron Klynhans Height,