The West and Central African Action Plan: Evaluation of its Development and Achievements - UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 101

This report provides an review of the development and implementation of the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the West and Central African Region, covering activities from its inception in 1976 through mid-1988. Prepared by UNEP as the Secretariat of the Action Plan, the document assesses the effectiveness of regional cooperation, national contributions, and institutional arrangements under the framework of the Abidjan Convention and its Protocol. Drawing on data from UNEP records and national institutions, it details progress made in environmental legislation, marine pollution monitoring, coastal erosion control, training, and technical assistance. The report highlights key achievements, such as the establishment of a regional trust fund, adoption of national contingency plans, and the implementation of priority projects in collaboration with UN agencies. It also identifies financial constraints, uneven national engagement, and delayed ratification of legal instruments as major challenges. The evaluation concludes that UNEP’s coordinating role and support were central to the Action Plan's progress.