300 experts form the nucleus of the regional network of technical experts.

6 participating countries - Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo - have established National Steering Committees embracing all relevant stakeholders responsible for environmental issues related to the Large Marine Ecosystem.

Integrated Coastal Area Management Programme has been adopted by all participating countries. This forms the basis for development of national environmental policies. Regulatory policy has been adopted designed to conserve fisheries. Closed and open fishing seasons have been introduced.

Mangrove restoration has begun. Coastal communities have initiated mangrove reforestation programmes as a result of awareness-raising campaigns conducted by non-governmental organizations in all 6 participating countries. First fish bottom trawl survey has been carried out using a regional vessel in 1999.Low craft coastal erosion prevention technologies have been transferred from Ghana to Benin.

A waste stock exchange management programme for municipal and industrial solid waste was proven cost effective in Ghana for reduction, recovery and recycling of industrial wastes. This will be extended for use in the other GEF recipient countries.

Master plans were developed within each of the participating countries for introducing novel low cost technology options including the use of settling pits in Ghana for sewage treatment and sorting of domestic wastes for recycling before disposal.

The countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea - Benin, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo - have experienced rapid increases in population, industrialization and urbanization in the last 40 years. Population growth due to high birth rates and migration from interior provinces has resulted in a population density of 250-300 persons per square kilometre along the Atlantic coast. The fast growing cities have been unable to provide the requisite sanitation. In some cities, only 1.3 per cent of households have access to sewerage, while in others there are no facilities for wastewater treatment. These factors have contributed to significant degradation of the natural resources and biodiversity of the coastal and international waters of the Gulf of Guinea and adjacent freshwater catchment areas. The region faces problems of fisheries depletion, water pollution, public health and sanitation, loss of habitat and biodiversity, land-use and planning and coastal erosion. Over-fishing, for example, has caused degradation of critical breeding, while over- cutting of mangroves, for firewood for cooking, building and salt drying, have affected the natural habitats.

The programme has been targeted at several levels in order to achieve regional coordination of pollution prevention and control: strengthening of regional capacities to prevent and remedy pollution of the Gulf of Guinea large marine ecosystem and associated degradation of critical habitats; development of an integrated information management and decision-making system for environmental management; establishment of a comprehensive programme for monitoring and assessment of the health and productivity of the Gulf of Guinea large marine ecosystem; identification of preventive measures and control mechanisms for land- based sources of industrial and urban pollution; and formulation of regional and national strategies and policies for the long-term management and protection of the Gulf of Guinea. Special emphasis was placed on training programmes and involvement of regional non-governmental organizations, which have played a crucial role in raising environmental awareness among the coastal communities as well as in cities and villages.