5th May, 2026
By Peace Ahovi
WASCAL continues to advance applied climate research through student-led scientific inquiry addressing critical environmental challenges in West Africa. As part of this effort, Ms. Akoté M’kawata Ahounga, a student from Togo and member of the fourth cohort of the Master Research Programme on Climate Change and Marine Sciences (MRP-CCMS), successfully defended her master’s thesis on “Assessing Long-Term Changes in Mangroves And Wetlands in Relation to Climate Parameters Along the Togolese Coast.”
Her research applied advanced geospatial analysis using Sentinel-2 satellite data within Google Earth Engine, combined with internationally recognized frameworks such as the IPCC vulnerability assessment and DPSIR model. Through this integrated approach, the study evaluated land use and land cover dynamics, climate risks, and the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
The findings revealed a modest increase in mangrove cover alongside a significant decline in other wetland types over time. Despite this growth, mangroves were found to be more vulnerable to climate-related risks, driven by factors such as policy and governance gaps, economic pressures, and changing climate patterns. Additional pressures, including pollution, deforestation, and hydrological changes, were shown to contribute to ecosystem degradation and reduced ecosystem services.
While ongoing restoration efforts have yielded localized environmental benefits, including improved air quality and biodiversity recovery, the study highlighted critical gaps in governance, stakeholder engagement, and planning processes. Local communities reported limited involvement and insufficient pre-restoration assessments, particularly concerning associated wetlands.
This research provides valuable insights to inform sustainable coastal management in Togo and underscores the importance of data-driven, inclusive approaches to ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation. It further reinforces WASCAL’s commitment to building scientific capacity and supporting evidence-based solutions for environmental sustainability in the region.