The coastal interface of sub-Saharan Africa is a microcosm of the challenges that sub-Saharan Africa faces in advancing towards sustainable development.  It is an area of immense natural riches, and of conflicting and competing demands for limited space and resources, which are likely to increase given burgeoning population growth with its accompanying impacts. The World Bank estimates that by 2025, the coastal zone from Accra to the Niger Delta could be an unbroken chain of cities with a total population of 50 million along 5000 km of coastline.

 

It is estimated that over 40% of Africa’s population derives its livelihood from coastal and marine ecosystems and resources – a percentage that will continue to increase with current migration and demographic patterns. Ecosystems are coming under increasing stress from a wide array of anthropogenic impacts, and the struggle against poverty often leaves no ready alternatives to continued overexploitation of resources. Unsustainable harvesting practices, destruction of habitats, and significant pollutant loads are some of the factors that threaten ecosystem productivity and integrity in the coastal area, and therefore economic growth and the welfare of local populations.

 

In spite of the strategic importance of the coastal interface for long-term economic growth and social stability, integrated planning and zoning for the coastal environment (ICAM) is inadequate or inexistent in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and in the case of countries that have already began to promote ICAM approaches, need to be strengthened. Demographic trends, growing demand for water and resources, increasing urbanisation and industrialisation, institutional constraints, sectoral approaches, national and international market demands, and conflicting jurisdictions as well as weak enforcement mechanisms are some of the more salient root causes of the problems.  There is a need to plan for growth through long-term horizons and commitment of resources and political will.

 

There is increasing recognition of this situation, coupled with greater political will to take the necessary actions to reverse it. Efforts are being made to revitalise the Nairobi and Abidjan Conventions, through more targeted work plans and mechanisms such as twinning arrangements. Moreover, a commitment to sound environmental management has been built up since the creation of AMCEN in 1985, and is today reflected in the development of the Environment Action Plan of NEPAD.

 

Moreover, the African Process builds upon, and contributes to, a growing recognition that sound environmental management is a cross-cutting issue that will ultimately define the long-term welfare of populations, and the potential for sustained economic growth and social stability. Sustainability is the defining factor for development. The African Process incorporates environmental concerns to the development agenda of participating countries through targeted projects that address not only the environmental aspects, but also institutional, regulatory, policy and capacity elements.