Togo's WACA Program Invests in 10 Marine Research Projects for Coastal Resilience

Togo's WACA ResIP program, with support from the World Bank, is funding ten scientific research projects focused on marine and coastal environments. Managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources, this initiative targets Master's and Doctoral students from Togolese public universities. The projects will address key issues aligned with WACA's objectives, including coastal biodiversity, the blue economy, marine geology, and sustainable fisheries management. Each selected project will receive funding for ten months, with the aim of publishing scientific articles in indexed journals by September 2026. This initiative seeks to bridge the knowledge gap in marine ecosystems, integrate young Togolese researchers into climate resilience efforts, and promote sustainable coastal development. The WACA program has been active in Togo since 2017, supporting data-driven governance and involving academia in addressing environmental challenges. The West African Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA) is a platform that aims to help countries obtain financing and expertise to sustainably manage their coastal areas. The program was established in 2015 in response to requests from local countries to manage coastal erosion and flooding, promote climate-resilient coastal management and improve livelihoods West Africa's coastal communities.