Revolutionizing Sustainability: A New Framework for Managing West Africa’s Climate-Stressed Lagoons

Climate change is a big threat to delicate ecosystems, especially in West Africa’s coastal lagoons. These lagoons face multiple challenges, like urban growth and development, which creates a need for smarter, more inclusive management strategies.

A group called the Resilient Lagoon Network (RLN) is stepping up to address this issue. They’ve developed a new management framework that includes voices from various stakeholders—academics, government agencies, NGOs, traditional leaders, and local communities. This approach combines different fields of knowledge to address the complex issues faced by these lagoons.

Through workshops and discussions, participants shared their insights on what’s harming the lagoons and how to manage them sustainably. This feedback made it clear that a more inclusive governance model is essential for effective lagoon management.

The framework has three main components: “What,” “How,” and “Who.”

The “What” identifies key indicators based on environmental, social, and economic factors that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These indicators help measure lagoon health and set clear targets.

The “How” lays out principles for good governance, emphasizing fairness and collaboration. It ensures everyone, especially local residents, participates in decision-making.

The “Who” lists all the stakeholders involved, representing both formal organizations and traditional systems.

This framework has already received positive feedback from those working in lagoon management. Experts believe it can inspire similar efforts in other regions of the Global South.

A research paper titled “A stakeholder‑informed framework for the sustainable management of coastal lagoons in West Africa” details the findings of this initiative. Co-authored by researchers like Professor Katherine Sian Davies-Vollum and Professor Isaac Boateng, it highlights key challenges like population growth, climate change, and water quality that threaten lagoon sustainability.

According to the research, climate change is the top concern, with other issues like health and biodiversity also highlighted. Interestingly, energy poverty and coastal settlement growth were seen as less critical.

Community involvement is crucial. The study emphasizes that both national governments and local communities play significant roles in creating sustainable solutions. Suggested actions include enforcing environmental regulations, improving waste management, and increasing collaboration among all stakeholders.

Nature-based solutions, like restoring mangroves and creating buffer zones around lagoons, could also enhance resilience. The research underscores the need for environmental education, not just in schools but in local communities, ideally using local languages to ensure understanding.

Despite the rich input from various participants, the researchers recognized limitations. The framework reflects the experiences of those who attended workshops, which could leave out valuable perspectives. Expanding outreach to include participants from Francophone West African countries could further strengthen the initiative.

While the RLN approach demonstrated the power of inclusive dialogue, engaging communities with limited internet access proved challenging. However, efforts to offer shared internet access and local attendance options at workshops helped bridge this gap.

Efforts like these not only build stronger management frameworks but also empower coastal communities. As similar initiatives emerge globally, learning from diverse experiences can pave the way for a sustainable future.

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