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Coastal Erosion in West Africa
The Issues
Rapid erosion of around 8 m per year Affects a 2000 km stretch of coastline
from Ivory Coast to Nigeria
Physical factors affecting erosion Large fetch Breaking waves and frequent storms Shallow sandy coast Onshore winds year round Strong West to East currents Low lying land Weak Soils
Human factors affecting erosion Construction of a dam on the Volta Construction of additional sea defences
e.g. breakwater at Lome Dredging artificial ports
Impacts of the erosion
Major roads lost Buildings lost to the sea Local industries decimated Natural habitats destroyed/unprotected
Can the problem be solved?
Countries are very poor and have large debts
More than one country involved High estimated costs for a solution EIA often bypassed
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