Impact of sea-level rise on the city of Banjul

Impact of 1m sea-level rise on Banjul

Banjul is located on a low-lying spit composed entirely of erodable sediments, and is already experiencing problems due to coastal erosion. Studies show that the majority of the city would be inundated under a 1m rise in sea-level due to the very low-lying nature of the city, as shown in the graphic below (Jallow et al 1996).

Mangrove forests and swamps and forests play a vital role in the life cycle of most commercial fish species and in combination with existing stresses such as land being claimed for settlements, sea-level rise could wipe out many areas of mangroves around Banjul and in the River Gambia Estuary. This would have a severe impact on fisheries which form an important livelihood activity for many Gambian communities. Rising sea-levels are also expected to increase the problem of groundwater salinization around Banjul.

• Jallow et al 1996