BACKGROUND

Liberia’s coastal zone is adversely affected by several climate change impacts, including increases in: i) sea level rise (SLR) of 20–30 cm by 2040–2059 resulting from rising temperatures; ii) the frequency of high-intensity coastal storms caused by strong winds blowing over the surface of the ocean; iii) the intensity of rainfall events, demonstrated by an increase in precipitation on the maximum rainfall day of 9–18% by 2041–2060; and iv) rainfall variability, with wet season rainfall increasing by 1–2% and dry season rainfall decreasing by 4–13% by 2040–2059. These climatic changes, which are projected to continue to intensify in the future under a range of SSP scenarios, exacerbate the impacts of heavy rainfall, storm surges, and wave action on the country’s coastal areas. The impacts of climate change, combined with non-climatic drivers — such as sand mining, the expansion of agricultural areas, unsustainable fishing, pollution, and inadequate drainage systems — compromise the resilience of ecosystems and Liberian communities situated along the coastline. Consequently, local communities and ecosystems are experiencing increased coastal flooding and erosion, saltwater intrusion into groundwater supplies, waterlogging of inland areas, and sedimentation of rivers and freshwater resources as a result of SLR and higher intensity rainfall events.

OBJECTIVE

To provide strategic technical support to the project team both on and off-site in compliance with social and environmental standards, including health & safety procedures and requirements.