The rise in sealevel
Dossou, K. M. R., Gléhouenou-Dossou, B. (2007): The Vulnerability to Climate Change of Cotonou
(Benin): The Rise in Sea Level. Environment & Urbanization, Vol. 19: 65-79
Benin
Cotonou: economic capital of Benin
• 3 million inhabitans on the coast and in Cotonou
• Tertiary sector activities and tradingcentres of
international importance, as well as supplying financial
resources to the country and municipality
• In the city: non agricultural (apart from inland
fisheries)
• On the coast and city’s major roads: commercial and
service oriented.
• Coastal fishing mainstay of Cotonou’s economy
> Providing livlihood for more than 15,000 people
Core
 Focuses on the potential and actual effect on the city of the rising sea level and
considers what possible adaptations could reduce its vulnerability to the effects of
climate change.
“The shoreline of Benin is a fragile ecosystem exposed to the negative effects of
climate change such as:
- rising sea and ocean level
- changes in average rainfall patterns
- increased atmospheric temperature,
affecting natural ecosystems, human settlements,
water resources & coastal infrastructure
- the marked coastline regression to the east of
Cotonou”
Cotonou’s vulnerability to sea level rise
 The rising sea level… will have a detrimental effect on coastal human settlements,
especially in the Gulf of Guinea (GIEC/IPCC report)
 Very relevant to Cotonou > below sea level
“A rise in sealevel could trigger a number of climatic phenomena such as coastal
and riverbank erosion, flooding and salt water intrusion into Lake Nokoue.
Furthermore, there has been decreasing rainfall in Benin, especially in the south,
with precipitation decreasing by 9 per cent over 20 years in Cotonou. Each of these
hazards undermines human systems (land use, livlihoods and human settlements)
and disrupts the functioning of coastal and lagoon systems.”
Argument:
Coastal erosion and the surrounding area
 Dynamic sub-regional phenomenon resulting from the disruption of coastal
currents carrying sand.
 Threats to residential districts and road infrastructure
 Exposure of the industrial sector
 Threats tourism sector
 Signs and consequences of rising sea level and coastal erosion
 Loss of human settlements
 Impacts on human health
 Biophysical disurption
 Impacts on traditional fishing
 Salt intrusion
Adapting to the rise of sea level and its
consequences
 Benin has prepared two scenarios:
- Technological adaptation through the installation of protective groynes
(kribben) to stabilize the coastline
- Relocation of activities, infrastructure and communities
 Researchers advice:
- local NGO to play their advocacy role drawing politicians’ attention to the
other climatic hazards that could furthur impoverish the people
- raise awareness of local communities and encourage them to take
responsibility with regard: occupation of land already identified as affected
and protection of environment through appropiate behaviour
Link
 The rising tide: assessing the risks of climate change and human
settlements in low elevation coastal zones
- GORDON MCGRANAHAN, DEBORAH BALK and BRIDGET ANDERSON
 Settlements in coastal lowlands are especially vulnerable to risks resulting
from climate change, yet these lowlands are densely settled and growing
rapidly.
 In some countries (most notably China), urbanization is driving a
movement in population towards the coast. Reducing the risk of disasters
related to climate change in coastal settlements will require a combination
of mitigation, migration and settlement modification.
Question
Benin has prepared two scenarios by focusing on the
technological adaptation and the relocation of activities.
Do you think they have done well by focusing on these
two aspects? Or do you think, like the researchers have
advised, that the focus should (also) lie (more) on raising
awareness of local communities? What is most important
considering social justice and the effects of climate
change on the long term?