Regional Consolidated Analysis Of The First Phase Of The Gef Msp Subsaharan Project
The 11,300 km of coastline of the 11 participating sub-Saharan African countries are characterized by a diversity of ecosystems and an abundance of natural resources. The national reports describe ecosystems which include mangrove swamps, estuaries, rocky shores, coastal wetlands and coral reefs. These coastal and marine habitats and resources fulfil a number of functions: they moderate storm impacts and protect coastal features, recycle nutrients, absorb and break down wastes, provide human and wildlife habitat, provide sources of livelihood for millions of coastal dwellers, maintain biodiversity, and present opportunities for recreation, tourism, transport, trade, and employment. Commercial fisheries contribute significantly to the national GDP, export earnings and employment. Tourism is probably the second biggest opportunity for coastal areas. Oil and gas reserves, are also important resources for some of the countries. However, the growing population and its demands on these resources is causing widespread degradation, modification of ecosystems, pollution of marine and coastal habitats and resources, and changes in streamflow. Global changes, potentially inducing significant modification of the hydrological cycles and the level of the sea, are becoming an increasing cause for concern for the countries.
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| Format: | Report biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2002
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| Subjects: | Ecosystems, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/642 |
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