Addressing Coastal Communities’ Vulnerability in Sierra Leone: A Case Study of Plantain and Yelibuya Islands

Elements of Innovation

• Awareness Raising and Communication
• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Social Cohesion and Community Participation

What is the project about?

Approximately 40 per cent of the world’s population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. Communities in coastal regions face significant risks from coastal erosion, flooding, and storm surges which impacts ecosystems, livelihoods, and overall well-being. Focusing on Sierra Leone, the project is addressing the vulnerability of coastal communities to prevent displacement, specifically on Plantain and Yelibuya Islands, recognized as vital transit points, business centers, and fishing hubs.

The project's main objective is to enhance the Government of Sierra Leone's disaster preparedness and response capacity, as well as its ability to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability and environmental degradation. With limited data availability and institutional capacity hindering effective decision-making, the project is empowering national authorities to conduct socioeconomic and environmental assessments of vulnerable coastal communities. The insights into the impacts of climate change generated through these assessments are being deployed by decision-makers to develop informed policies to safeguard the interests of Sierra Leonean coastal communities.

How is the project innovative?

The project showcases innovation through its application of advanced technology and data analysis methodologies. A noteworthy innovation is the utilization of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), a high-precision approach for depicting surface morphology while filtering out forest cover and other land types. This approach offers superior accuracy compared to the commonly used Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by capturing detailed terrain variations and drainage patterns.

Satellite-based information has additionally been leveraged to generate data on geology, geomorphology, hydrology, topography, and landcover changes. This approach is particularly valuable for assessing the effect of local activities on climate by producing island-specific data on a large scale. This data feeds into regional climatic models, enhancing the understanding of the interplay between local activities and broader climate dynamics. Ultimately, this approach strengthens decision-making and policy formulation by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information to address the challenges faced by coastal communities.