RAMSAR
Coastal Communities in Sierra Leone Make Strides to Protect and Restore Their Mangroves
Jul 02, 2019Adaptation, Climate Change, Coastal, Livelihoods, mangroves, RAMSAR, Sierra leone, USAID West Africa
The Sherbro River Estuary is one of four Sierra Leone coastal regions that was declared a Marine Protected Area in March 2012, recognizing the value of mangrove forests as critical to the success of the fisheries sector in the country. While this decision was a major step in the right direction, ongoing unsustainable practices and…
Strengthening Climate Change Resilience in the Fresco Coastal Landscape, Côte d’Ivoire
Mar 20, 2019Abidjan Convention, Aquatic ETP, Climate Change, Coastal, Conservation, mangroves, RAMSAR, USAID West Africa, West Africa
The Fresco coastal landscape includes the Fresco Lagoon and the Bolo and Niouniourou rivers which feed the lagoon with fresh water. Known locally as Koyiri, the lagoon lies in the administrative region of Gbokle. It has been classified as a Ramsar Site due to its rich biodiversity, including several endangered species like the manatee and…
Perspectives from West Africa on Wetlands and Urbanization
Nov 01, 2018Abidjan Convention, Aquatic ETP, Biodiversity, Biodiversity Loss, Capacity Building, Conservation, RAMSAR, Ramsar COP13, West Africa
There is no denying the recent spike in urbanization across the coast of West Africa: about 70% of urban and economic centers in the region can now be found along the coast. The growing populations put a tremendous amount of pressure on natural resources in the area, and the impacts are expected to be intensified…
Using Vulnerability Assessments to Manage Climate Risks on West Africa’s Coasts
Oct 27, 2018Abidjan Convention, Aquatic ETP, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Coastal, Partnership, RAMSAR, Ramsar COP13
Many communities along the coast of West Africa are susceptible to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, unpredictable weather patterns, and increased flooding. These impacts, which threaten properties and human lives, are further exacerbated by other human-induced risks stemming from the unsustainable use of natural resources. These include risks like unplanned development…