In early 2025 Boskalis secured two contracts for the protection and replenishment of sections of eroded coastline in Togo and Benin. The West African coastline suffers from significant erosion, resulting in coastal retreat.
The protection measures being put in place by Boskalis near the town of Avlékété in Benin and Gbodjomé-Agbodrafo in Togo serve to safeguard important infrastructure and core livelihoods – including fishing and agriculture – of those living along this stretch of coast. The project in Togo is part of the West
African Coastal Areas Management (WACA) program.
To manage the environmental and social impacts of our activities, we have worked closely with the local communities to mitigate potential adverse effects and further enhance the positive outcomes of the
projects. This stretch of the West African coast is an important nesting area for various species of sea turtle and by stabilizing the coastline, the projects will help to safeguard essential nesting beaches.
Boskalis is also conducting several activities aimed at the protection and preservation of the local turtle population, which brings with it various social and economic benefits for nearby communities. To this
end, we have formed partnerships with two local conservation groups to provide sanctuary to nesting turtles and their eggs and increase local awareness about the ecological and economic benefits of
protecting them. A turtle hatchery has also been built near Gbodjomé-Agbodrafo where eggs gathered on the shoreline can be safely stored before the hatchlings are born and released into the sea. A second hatchery is planned near Avlékété.
Through ongoing monitoring, we are building a unique dataset and thereby developing our understanding of nesting seasons, species presence, and preferred locations. This serves as valuable input for future beach replenishment projects and the continued protection of local marine life.
Using local expertise, we have also trained several conservation officers in important protection techniques including environmental legislation, the identification of different turtle species, monitoring of nesting sites, egg collection and management, the release of hatchlings into the sea, as well as community education. Throughout the projects we are working closely with schools and fisher folk to increase awareness of the importance of sea turtles and the benefits they bring to the marine habitat and local livelihoods.
“Active and long-term conservation of the local turtle population will help bring important social benefits to this region,” explained Boskalis Environmental and Social Impact Manager, Robijn Brongersma. “These animals play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds, regulating sponge and jellyfish populations, and supporting oxygen producing habitats. This helps sustain healthy reefs and provides favorable conditions for many commercially valuable fish species, while also supporting local economies through tourism.”
