Innovative Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Closer Look at Coastal Region Adaptation Success Stories

1. The Bakhoyo Community Integrated Project in Senegal This community in Senegal was constantly experiencing adverse effects due to climate change such as increasing droughts and flooding. With assistance from UNDP, they were able to construct a sustainable natural resource management system that helped them adapt to these climatological shifts by rehabilitating and protecting 225 hectares of degraded mangrove ecosystems and creating fuel efficient stoves that reduced deforestation by half in the project area. This case study can be referenced under: United Nations Development Programme. (2017). Local development and adaptation to climate change in Bakhoyo, Senegal. UNDP. 2. Mangrove Restoration Project in Gambia The Gambia River supports a rich diversity of life, including mangrove forests that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. However, local communities, with support from the World Bank, have been involved in a serious effort to restore the mangrove forests. They’ve planted more than 10,000 hectares of mangroves that have not only helped in buffering against storm surges and rising sea levels but also served as a breeding ground for fish and other wildlife, immensely supporting the regions' economy. The case can be looked at in detail in the World Bank report: World Bank. (2016). The Gambia - Success through mangroves. World Bank. 3. The Namibian Coast Conservation and Management (NACOMA) Project Namibia has one of the most vulnerable coastal areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. This project, implemented in cooperation with GEF and the World Bank, involved mapping potential climate change effects and identifying and implementing necessary adaptations to preserve Biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. Innovative strategies involved using a ‘climate lens’ to review coastal development applications and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to mitigate climate change effects. For more information, see the source: NACOMA (2012). Namibian Coast Conservation and Management: Adapting to Climate Change through ICZM. NACOMA Project Brief. Remember that these case studies aren’t exhaustive of the many other innovative climatological strategies implemented by coastal regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Always make sure to cite appropriately if referencing these examples in your work.