Togo, like most coastal countries in West Africa, is facing serious problems of coastal erosion, which has been evident for decades in the dramatic retreat of the coastline. This coastal dynamism is the result of hydroelectric developments (Akossombo dam on the Volta and Nangbéto dam on the Mono) and the construction of maritime structures (Port of Lomé).

These developments carried out during the 1960s caused upheavals throughout the geosystem of the Gulf of Guinea with unfortunate consequences on socio-economic life and on the environment in general.

In Togo, these consequences result in:
- the complete disappearance of fishing villages located on the coast;
- the loss of agricultural land and coconut plantations;
- the disruption of maritime fishing activities;
- the threat of seaside and economic structures (hotels, industries, habitats, etc.)

- the destruction of road infrastructure;
- etc.

The phenomenon took a dramatic turn in the 1980s and led to the establishment of protective structures (spikes, breakwaters, etc.) in 1985, 1987 and 1988 in the most affected areas (the Aného site, Kpémé-Gumukopé).

These structures, despite their effectiveness in the first years following their installation, did not really contribute to the permanent end of the phenomenon. The threat is almost permanent and fighting actions are needed.
This programme aims to combat coastal erosion and limit its impacts on socio-economic activities and on the marine and coastal environment.

This program document makes it possible to:
- take stock of the situation in the coastal zone by identifying sensitive areas;
- define priorities;
- set objectives to solve priority problems;
- define criteria to assess the effectiveness of the program;
- propose prioritized and quantified projects that reflect environmental concerns at the national level.