Nouakchott Coastline Development

The Nouakchott Coastline Development Project is a flagship initiative launched in 2018 to protect and enhance the Mauritanian capital’s Atlantic coastline.¹ It addresses critical challenges posed by climate change, including coastal erosion, flooding, biodiversity loss, and uncontrolled urban sprawl.^{2 3}

The project envisions Nouakchott as a “resilient, inclusive, and economically vibrant coastal hub,” integrating environmental protection with sustainable urban development. 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.^{4 5}

This initiative aligns with Mauritania’s broader strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Resilient Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).^{6 7} It combines ecological restoration with social and economic development in the region.^{8 9}

To implement the vision, the Nouakchott Coastline Development Project spans the city’s extensive coastal zone through a set of targeted components designed to generate significant positive impacts for the environment and the city’s population, especially vulnerable groups, includes the following:

• Dune restoration: Reinforcement of a 12 kilometers natural dune cordon to mitigate flood and erosion risks.^{10 11}
• Urban coastal integration: Urban planning measures to limit urban sprawl and improve connectivity between the city and the coast
• Ecological design: use of native plants and sustainable construction materials and dune rehabilitation
• Drainage and flood mitigation: Infrastructure improvements to protect 75,000 residents in low-lying districts
• Economic activation: development of coastal business spaces, parks, and recreational zones (over 60 hectares), including support for community-based agriculture and plant nurseries.¹²
• Mobility and emissions: Diversion of freight traffic from the city centers to reduce congestion and emissions
• Renewable Energy and Resource Management: integration of renewable energy solutions and efficient water systems in coastal infrastructure
• Biodiversity conservation: establishment of protected areas and educational initiatives to support local flora and fauna¹³

In terms of sustainability, the Nouakchott Coastline Development Project adopts eco-friendly strategies, including the use of natural materials for dune reinforcement, water-saving management systems, and renewable energy solutions for coastal infrastructure.¹⁴ It also promotes inclusivity by designing accessible public spaces that serve all community members, including with disabilities.¹⁵

Led by the Government of Mauritania and the Urban Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), the project is implemented in collaboration with international partners such as Meridiam and the African Development Bank (ADF).^{16 17}
Implementation is in multiple phases:^{18 19}

• Initial phase: focused on dune reinforcement and critical climate adaptation infrastructure.
• Current and future phases: expand socio-economic opportunities, improve ecological connectivity, and develop public amenities.

The Nouakchott Coastline Development Project is currently progressing through its urban integration and socio-economic development stages, with measurable enhancements in resilience, urban planning, and community livelihoods. Ultimately, establishing Nouakchott as a sustainable and inclusive model for climate-resilient coastal development.^{20 21 22}