PATCHWORKS OF SUSTAINABILITY : The Gbojome-Agbodrafo stretch and coastal erosion

Details

Supervisors

Monica Corrali ; Descheemaeker, Basil ; De Visscher, Jean-Philippe ; Cavalieri, Chiara

Faculty

Faculté d'architecture, d'ingénierie architecturale, d'urbanisme

Degree label

Master [120] en architecture, à finalité spécialisée (Bruxelles)

Abstract

Coastal erosion is a global challenge, which particularly impacts the eastern Togolese coast: From the port of Lome until Aneho. The phenomenon is exacerbated by infrastructure like the Akosombo and Kpong dams, and the Lome port. This situation fragilises the livelihood of coastal inhabitants and generates loss of lands and infrastructures. The "Patchworks of Sustainability" concept proposes a strategy to address this hazard as the scale of the Togolese coast, focusing on local initiatives which are "Patchwork ". Each "Patchwork " is made of "sustainability" which are local interventions through grey or green infrastructures generating new possibilities for local communities. Focused on the Gbojome-Agbodrafo stretch, "Patchwork 01" leverages resources from the WACA project and uses them differently to implement localized, non-invasive interventions, including living breakwaters for protection, vegetated revetment for stabilization and define a Coastal Buffer Zone(Coastal Buffer Zone) aligning with the aims of the Togo's coastal development plan (SDAL) for future adaptation. Through stakeholder collaboration, this pilot project aims to enhance resilience, foster socio-economic development, and serve as a model for future coastal interventions "Patchwork". These future interventions Link together will form the "Patchworks of Sustainability". However, challenges such as limited resources and land management complexities underscore the need for cautious implementation and ongoing research collaboration across disciplines.