Nouakchott Coastline Development

The Nouakchott Coastline Development Project is a development initiative focused on protecting and enhancing the coastline of Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, located on the shores of the Atlantic Oceani. This project addresses the city’s unique challenges, as Nouakchott is highly vulnerable to climate change effects, including erosion, flooding, and biodiversity loss. Initiated in 2018, the project includes measures to strengthen the natural dune cordon, improve urban planning, and foster socio-economic development in the region.

The project envisions the city as a “coastal hub that is resilient to climatic hazards, socially inclusive, and economically vibrant.” It aims to protect Nouakchott from the risks of submersion and erosion, limit urban sprawl, enhance the connection between the city and the coast, and create economic opportunities while improving the quality of life for its inhabitants.

This initiative is part of Mauritania’s broader strategy to align with the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Resilient Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

To implement these objectives, the Nouakchott Coastline Development Project spans the city’s extensive coastal zone, focusing on natural dune restoration, sustainable urban planning, and economic integrationviii. Specifically, the project includes the following components:

• Strengthening the natural dune cordon to serve as a protective barrier against flooding and erosion, ensuring the long-term safety of the coastal regionix.
• Urban planning enhancements to limit urban sprawl and better integrate the city with its coastline, fostering sustainable growth and accessibilityx.
• Socio-economic initiatives, including creating spaces for local businesses, tourism, and recreational activities to stimulate community developmentxi.
• Biodiversity conservation efforts, with designated areas to protect native flora and fauna while promoting ecological awareness and educationxii.

The project is expected to produce significant positive impacts for the environment and the population of the city of Nouakchott, especially vulnerable groups:

• Flood Protection: Safeguarding 75,000 residents in Nouakchott’s low-lying areas with advanced drainage solutions.
• Sustainable Construction: Utilizing local materials like native plants for buildings and dune restoration.
• Economic Opportunities: Supporting livelihoods through vegetable farming and plant nurseries.
• Renewable Energy: Exploring the integration of renewable energy for sustainability.
• Emission Reduction: Diverting freight traffic from the city center to lower emissions and enhance safety.
• Recreational Spaces: Creating over 60 hectares of parks and coastline recreational areas.
• Environmental Restoration: Restoring 12 kilometers of dunes and flora to combat submersion and flooding xiii.

In terms of sustainability, the Nouakchott Coastline Development Project incorporates eco-friendly strategies, such as using natural materials for dune reinforcement, applying water management systems to conserve resources, and implementing renewable energy solutions for coastal infrastructure. The project also ensures inclusivity by designing accessible public spaces to accommodate all community members, including those with disabilities.

The Nouakchott Coastline Development Project is a collaborative effort involving the Government of Mauritania, the Urban Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), and international partners such as Meridiam and the African Development Bank. The project has been implemented in multiple phases, starting with the critical restoration of the natural dune cordon and preliminary urban integration measures to safeguard the coastline from environmental threats.

Subsequent phases focus on expanding socio-economic opportunities, including the development of business hubs, recreational areas, and biodiversity conservation zones. As of now, significant progress has been made in stabilizing the coastal zones and initiating urban planning enhancements, with further phases aimed at completing the full integration of ecological and community-driven objectives.

The final vision of the project is to create a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive coastal area that not only protects Nouakchott from climate risks but also serves as a hub for economic, cultural, and recreational activities, promoting long-term urban and environmental development.