Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change
The Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of t...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| author | Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez Kissao Gnandi Chrétien Ngouanet Ibrahima Pouye Joshua Ntajal |
| author_facet | Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez Kissao Gnandi Chrétien Ngouanet Ibrahima Pouye Joshua Ntajal |
| author_sort | Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of the population by providing livelihoods and contributing to food security, as well as housing critical infrastructure including ports, urban areas, and tourism hubs. However, as climate change intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as increased sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, these socio-economic assets are becoming more and more vulnerable. As a result, this study focused on investigating the physical vulnerability of the coastline in the context of climate change. The vulnerability assessment was conducted using the coastal vulnerability index approach, utilising a combination of oceanographic data, remote sensing, and field observations. The research outcomes supported the identification of key areas at risk and examined the contributing factors such as tidal ranges, storm surges, and human activities. The findings highlight the immediate and long-term threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Due to the vulnerability provided by geological and geomorphological factors, the average Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) score of 29 indicates a high level of exposure to coastal hazards from Buniadu Point to Barra. From Banjul to Cape Point, the average coastline dynamic rate is positive at 0.21 m/year, indicating some accretion. Despite this, the CVI score of 22 indicates significant vulnerability to coastal hazards from Bald Cape to Salifor Point. The study also explored potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. Integrated and sustainable strategies were outlined to support policy-making and community-based initiatives towards safeguarding coastal regions of The Gambia against the backdrop of climate change. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7ccf0fbe0407443f9cb559a90b448e28 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-4060 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | World |
| spelling | doaj-art-7ccf0fbe0407443f9cb559a90b448e282025-08-20T02:43:05ZengMDPI AGWorld2673-40602025-01-01611710.3390/world6010017Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate ChangeMuhammad Leroy Albert Gomez0Kissao Gnandi1Chrétien Ngouanet2Ibrahima Pouye3Joshua Ntajal4West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Climate Change & Disaster Risks Management, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, TogoEnvironment Geochemistry, Faculty of Science, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, TogoGeoinformation Technology, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, National Institute of Cartography, Yaoundé P.O. Box 157, CameroonWest African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Climate Change & Disaster Risks Management, Université de Lomé, Lome 01 P.O. Box 1515, TogoDepartment of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, GermanyThe Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of the population by providing livelihoods and contributing to food security, as well as housing critical infrastructure including ports, urban areas, and tourism hubs. However, as climate change intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as increased sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, these socio-economic assets are becoming more and more vulnerable. As a result, this study focused on investigating the physical vulnerability of the coastline in the context of climate change. The vulnerability assessment was conducted using the coastal vulnerability index approach, utilising a combination of oceanographic data, remote sensing, and field observations. The research outcomes supported the identification of key areas at risk and examined the contributing factors such as tidal ranges, storm surges, and human activities. The findings highlight the immediate and long-term threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Due to the vulnerability provided by geological and geomorphological factors, the average Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) score of 29 indicates a high level of exposure to coastal hazards from Buniadu Point to Barra. From Banjul to Cape Point, the average coastline dynamic rate is positive at 0.21 m/year, indicating some accretion. Despite this, the CVI score of 22 indicates significant vulnerability to coastal hazards from Bald Cape to Salifor Point. The study also explored potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. Integrated and sustainable strategies were outlined to support policy-making and community-based initiatives towards safeguarding coastal regions of The Gambia against the backdrop of climate change.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/17coastal vulnerability indexThe Gambia shorelinecoastal adaptation strategies |
| spellingShingle | Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez Kissao Gnandi Chrétien Ngouanet Ibrahima Pouye Joshua Ntajal Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change World coastal vulnerability index The Gambia shoreline coastal adaptation strategies |
| title | Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change |
| title_full | Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change |
| title_fullStr | Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change |
| title_full_unstemmed | Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change |
| title_short | Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change |
| title_sort | physical vulnerability of the gambia s coastline in the context of climate change |
| topic | coastal vulnerability index The Gambia shoreline coastal adaptation strategies |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4060/6/1/17 |
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