Project to reduce the impact of infrastructure on coastal ecosystems in West Africa (PRISE)
The West African coastal zone is home to a number of original ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass beds, estuaries, etc.) and numerous species of wild flora and fauna. These resources support and provide numerous ecological services, generally considered to be common goods because they are vital to humanity. However, the West African coastal zone is undergoing major changes, notably through the development of tourist, urban, hydro-agricultural, mining, oil and transport infrastructures. This process is accompanied by the degradation of West African coastal ecosystems, particularly sea turtle nesting sites, mangrove swamps and the regression of seagrass beds, as well as the loss of biodiversity. In response to the development of these infrastructures, WIA has implemented the PRISE project (Projet de réduction de l’impact des infrastructures sur les écosystèmes côtiers en Afrique de l’Ouest – Project to reduce the impact of infrastructures on coastal ecosystems in West Africa). Funded by the MAVA Foundation, the main aim of this project is to reduce the negative effects of infrastructure development on coastal ecosystems in five West African countries (Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Mauritania). In these countries, the priority sites are the Senegal River and Saloum delta; the Kapatchez delta; the Bijagos archipelago; Boa Vista Island and the Banc d’Arguin.Focus countries: Banc d’Arguin (Mauritania), Boa Vista (Cabo Verde), Bijagos Islands (Guinea-Bissau), Kapatchez Delta (Guinea), Bas-Delta of the Senegal River and Saloum Delta (Senegal)Project partners: MAVA, WIACO, PRCM