The coastal communities of São Tomé are already exposed to hazards such as coastal erosion and flooding (coastal and pluvial) and it is expected that due to climate change the vulnerability will increase. In this study a hazard and risk analysis has been done for the communities of Iô Grande, Praia Melão, Pantufo, Praia Lochinga-Gambôa-Cruz, Micoló and Praia Abade. For all of the potential risks, interventions have been proposed to reduce the vulnerability of the community to coastal related hazards. Both soft options (such as land-use, relocation and revegetation) as hard structures (such as revetments, embankments, drainage) have been considered. The study is part of the WACA (West Africa Coastal Areas) programme, with the formal Client being the São Tomé government (AFAP).
CDR joined the first field visit to assist Deltares with the risk assessment and data collection, including drone survey and creating a DEM for each of the communities using photogrammetry. The main task of CDR was to propose potential interventions for the risks in each community. A set of preferred solution for each community has been prepared based on feasibility, efficiency and input from the communities. The preferred solutions have been translated into conceptual designs and estimated costs. Interventions include: relocation, revegetation, drainage channels, improvement of fisheries landing sites, revetments, etc.
