11 African Countries Unite to Curb Beach Erosion

PARIS, France, August 1, 2002 (ENS) - Large parts of the African coastline
are receding rapidly, according to newly issued reports by 11 African
nations. The seafront of Grand-Bassam, the colonial capital of Côte
d'Ivoire, is in danger of crumbling into the Atlantic Ocean. Sections of
the Nigerian coastline are disappearing at the rapid rate of up to 30
metres (97 feet) a year.


The Gambia report tells a similar story. "The beach fronts of most of the
hotels have been washed away," while some of those that are left have
invested over US$300,000 protection measures. Coastal erosion, says
Gambia's report, is "one of the most devastating in environmental problems"
facing the country.
A new United Nations project aims to call attention to the problem and
foster dialogue on solutions, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) said Monday at its headquarters in Paris.

Coastal degradation is a problem worldwide, but 11 African countries - Côte
d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal,
Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania - have teamed up to do something
about it.


For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens-news.com/ens/aug2002/2002-08-01-02.asp

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