Turning Earth Observation and Satellite Data into Coastal Resilience Tools

The West African coast, stretching from Senegal to Gabon, is among the regions most exposed to the impacts of climate change. Sea-level rise, intensifying storms, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events are accelerating coastal flooding and erosion across the region.

The consequences are already severe : in 2017 alone, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo suffered an estimated $3.8 billion in damages (5.3% of their combined GDP). Coastal hazards have been linked to over 13,000 deaths, and this figure continues to rise. Rapid urbanisation, population growth in low-lying areas and environmental degradation are amplifying exposure and weakening coastal resilience, resulting in more frequent and destructive flooding.

Yet despite growing risks, most countries still lack operational early warning systems and reliable, continuous local data to anticipate and respond to disasters. While the scientific community has greatly improved our understanding of coastal dynamics through the work of international programmes and initiatives (IRD, LEGOS and others), a critical 'Data Gap' persists.

Currently, there is an almost total absence of operational regional early warning systems based on reliable, continuous data. In-situ sensors are scarce, rare if not non-existent, depriving local authorities of tools to support informed decision-making.

This critical gap undermines climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 (Resilient Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).