Second Regional Steering Committee Meeting for WACA Programme Commences in Accra.

Accra: The second Regional Steering Committee meeting for the West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Management Programme has opened in Accra, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable development and environmental resilience. Dr. Patrick Nomo, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, emphasized the severe environmental challenges faced by the West African coast, particularly the alarming rate of erosion.According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Nomo pointed out that in Ghana, coastal erosion occurs at a rate of 2 to 5 meters annually, with some areas experiencing up to 17 meters of erosion each year. He explained that this severe degradation is compounded by frequent flooding due to high storm tides, which are directly linked to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Coastal disasters pose a significant threat to fiscal stability and disrupt the socio-economic structure of coastal communities.It is estimated that approximately 500,000 people in Africa are affected annually b y intensified coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution. Dr. Nomo stressed that the main objective of the WACA Programme is to address these issues and enhance ecosystem resilience at both national and regional levels. The programme seeks to foster sustainable improvements in coastal zone management through coordinated efforts among participating countries.WACA employs a multifaceted approach to enhance the resilience of communities and regions along coastal West Africa. The programme focuses on converting complex development challenges into actionable priorities by providing technical and financial support, as well as facilitating collaborative dialogue. Dr. Nomo highlighted the importance of national leadership in advancing concrete investment projects and creating a dynamic space for knowledge sharing and policy harmonization at the regional level.Dr. Nomo called for a revision of the current structure of institutions responsible for coastal zone management, noting that many lack the capacity to effecti vely integrate coastal issues into national policies and planning. He emphasized that the success of the WACA programme would demonstrate a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, aiming for a secure future for future generations.Mr. Henry Bortey Otchwemah, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, explained that the WACA programme aims to raise awareness about coastal erosion and its impacts. He described how entire communities have been lost to erosion, resulting in significant economic losses. The programme operates on two levels: a programme level involving nine countries and a project level that is country-specific.Dr. Mahamadou Gado, Commissioner of the West Africa Economic and Monitoring Union, stressed the importance of protecting and sustaining coastal communities to ensure their security and prosperity. Since its inception in 2018, WACA has been dedicated to this mission. The meeting aims to reinforce coll aboration at national and regional levels and assess the programme's progress. Dr. Gado praised the participating countries for their commitment and expertise, crucial to the programme's success, and encouraged active engagement from Ghanaians until coastal erosion is effectively addressed.