Environmental Management Problems in Resource Utilization and Survey of Resources in the West and Central African Region: UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 37

The principal objective of the Action Plan is the development and protection of the marine and coastal area environment of the West African region for the health and well-being of present and future generations.

The Action Plan is intended to provide a framework for an environmentally sound and comprehensive approach to coastal area development particularly appropriate to the needs of the people . Any factors, therefore, that mitigate against the maintenance of the marine environment to the extent that the ''health and well-being'' of the people of the West African region becomes jeopardized will constitute "pollution".