Within a year, the beginnings of a concrete response should be given to the problem of coastal erosion.

'The question of the protection of the coast and its enhancement occupies the greatest attention of the highest authorities. Several studies are being conducted to find the best methods,” said Edem Kokou Tengue, Minister of Maritime Economy, Fisheries and Coastal Protection.

Work is already underway as part of the WACA ResIP (West Africa Coastal Resilience Investment Project funded by the World Bank). The goal is to strengthen. the resilience of communities affected by erosion.

Mr. Tengue, accompanied by his colleague from the Environment, Katari Foli-Bazi, made a tour of several sites yesterday.

In 2018, the World Bank Group approved an envelope of $210 million to finance a regional project aimed at strengthening the resilience of coastal inhabitants in six West African countries: Benin, Côte d' Ivory, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal and Togo.

The WACA program was developed in partnership with the people of West Africa who live on the coast and depend on it for their livelihoods, nutrition, food security and prosperity.

The program supports countries' efforts to improve the management of their shared coastal resources and reduce natural and man-made risks to coastal communities.

Coastal areas account for about 42% of West Africa's GDP.

They are home to almost a third of the population, which is therefore particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.

Coastal erosion, aggravated by frequent flooding, population growth and uncontrolled development of the coastline are putting increased pressure on the environment and resources of this region.