Accra: Ghana and C´te d'Ivoire have formalized a transboundary partnership to overhaul coastal management and protect vulnerable communities from the escalating threats of climate change. The project, funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by UN-Habitat, represented a strategic shift from isolated national efforts to a unified, spatial planning approach aimed at preserving the shared West African shoreline.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative, titled 'Improved Resilience of Coastal Communities in C´te d'Ivoire and Ghana,' held its second National Steering Committee meeting in Accra this week. Dr. Peter Dery, Director, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), emphasized the critical role of the coast in sectors such as transport, energy, fisheries, and water. He highlighted the urgent need for intervention as communities face rising sea levels, tidal waves, and other anthropogenic pressures threatening their survival.
Mr. Luc Boerboom, an Associate Professor from the University of Twente and a technical partner in the project, acknowledged the complexity of coordinating between two different national systems. However, he stressed that this collaboration is essential for achieving lasting impact. Mr. Boerboom pointed out the year-long effort required to align the planning systems of the two nations and noted the project's reliance on high-tech data management, including satellite imagery and geoinformation science.
Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, Senior Human Settlements Officer at UN-Habitat, stated that the success of the plan depends on its co-ownership by the local population. He underscored the importance of involving communities in decision-making processes to address issues such as coastal erosion and urban encroachment effectively.
The project is being executed on the ground by partners like ActionAid and Habitat for Humanity, who bridge national policy and community action. This 'multi-scale approach' ensures that strategic goals set in Accra or Abidjan result in tangible actions, such as planting mangrove seedlings in the Volta Region.
While the current focus is on the Ghana-C´te d'Ivoire corridor, the ultimate goal is to create a replicable model for the entire West African coast. By producing materials in both English and French, the project aims to serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization.