UNOC 3: WACA Puts Coastal Resilience at the Forefront of Sustainable Coastal Development in West Africa
At UNOC 3, WACA put coastal resilience at the center of development. Leaders from West Africa and global partners shared how regional integration, local innovation, and international expertise are turning coastal protection into growth, jobs, and opportunity.
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In Mauritania, WACA takes action against plastic bags
On Oceans Day, WACA and Mauritania launched a nationwide campaign to curb plastic bag use. From bustling markets to TV airwaves, citizens learned how this waste threatens health and ecosystems. The message is clear: it’s time to choose sustainability. Discover how communities are fighting back to protect their coast.
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Sandy beaches and coastal dunes
As part of its support to the WACA Program, IUCN highlights the increasing pressures threatening sandy beaches and coastal dunes in West Africa. Erosion, sea-level rise, coastal infrastructure, and sand mining are driving the degradation of these ecosystems, which are critical nesting sites for turtles and bird species.
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Mangroves for West Africa
As part of its support to the WACA Program, IUCN highlights—through this visual—the major threats to mangroves in West Africa. Preserving these vital ecosystems requires coordinated regional action in the face of rising sea levels, deforestation, and increasing human pressures.
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Coastal Resilience as Foundation for Coastal Development
Rejoignez l’équipe WACA pour un panel sur la résilience côtière comme fondement du développement côtier durant la Semaine de l’Océan des Nations Unies à Nice”
Read MoreNews & Events
In less than two years, La Voix du Littoral—born from a partnership between WACA Mauritania and Radio…
On the occasion of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), the West Africa Coastal Areas…
Following the successful closure of three major breaches, the WACA project in Mauritania has launched…
On Oceans Day, August 8, 2025, the WACA project and the Mauritanian Ministry of the Environment…
As part of the implementation of the regional component of the WACA ResIP program, the Regional…
Key Facts & Figures
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56%
Coastline in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo subject to an average erosion of 1.8 m per year
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US$1.4 billion
Cost of air, water and waste pollution cost in 2017 to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
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13,000 deaths
Occur in Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo primarily due to floods, air and water in 2017
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$3.8 billion
The cost of erosion, flooding and pollution cost to Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo
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56% GDP
Generated by West Africa Coastal Areas
COASTAL CHALLENGES IN WEST AFRICA
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. Stronger storms and rising seas are wiping out homes, roads and buildings that have served as landmarks for generations. Some beaches are deeply mined for sand, protective mangroves are deforested, and people are increasingly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Some residents have no choice but to move away—a trend that is breaking up communities and changing the social fabric for future generations.
Rapid and often unplanned urbanization has devastated the natural landscape that once served as a buffer for erosion and flooding. These developments disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized, and will intensify due to climate change. While countries have started to contain erosion and flooding, there is an urgent need for partners to mobilize financing through coordinated regional action. Collaboration at the policy and technical levels helps countries to manage erosion hotspots, and to maintain the livelihoods that a healthy coastal ecosystem provides to people and economies.
