Preserving the coasts of West Africa: what can governments do? Engaging public institutions on coastal preservation

The West African coastal region is rich in natural land resources. However, increased pressure on these resources from the rapidly growing coastal population has degraded these reserves. The effects are compounded by the region’s vulnerability to climate shocks. Well-established natural resource management and improved territorial and regional governance are paramount to economic development, food security, environmental preservation and the sustainable development of the region.

Governments need to ensure that environmental integrity is secured, international and national commitments are met and the susceptibility of the environment is reduced so that vulnerable groups are fully supported. The introduction, implementation and the renewal of coastal ecology policies, laws, governance frameworks, and risk reduction programs, will ensure environmental integrity aimed at improving citizens’ livelihood that directly preserves the coastal environment and positively affects climate resilience.