Coastal erosion threatens bijagos islands and communities

The Bijagos archipelago, a newly listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing accelerating coastal erosion that is shrinking its islands and threatening communities.

On Bubaque, rising sea levels and erosion have pushed the shoreline inland, damaging homes, roads and landmarks that were once offshore. Rain runoff is carrying sand into the sea, reducing seabed depth and raising water levels along the coast.

Local residents have begun reinforcing buildings with makeshift coastal defences, but materials are costly and protection remains limited. The erosion affects not only Bubaque but the entire Bijagos archipelago, increasing concerns over long-term habitability and the future of communities that depend on the coast for income.