A climate change expert from the University of Glasgow has helped the World Bank Inspection Panel shape a decision on a community facing the effects of coastal erosion.
A climate change expert from the University of Glasgow has helped the World Bank Inspection Panel shape a decision on a community facing the effects of coastal erosion.
The World Bank Inspection Panel is a 30-year-old independent complaints mechanism for people and communities who believe that they have been, or are likely to be, adversely affected by a World project. The World Bank is one of the world’s largest sources of Professor Naylor is a coastal geomorphologist who addresses ecological and climate change challenges facing society. She describes herself as ’ a Doctor of Geography, a Doctor for the Planet. ’
Her work has already shaped climate change, flooding and planning policies and climate change adaptation plans. She advised the International Union for Conservation of Nature and provided input to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s fourth and fifth Assessments. She also was a chapter co-lead for International Guidelines on use of Natural and Nature-Based Features to manage coastal flooding and erosion risks.
Professor Naylor prepared a technical annex for the Inspection Panel, which examined the present and future of coastal erosion on the West African coastal barrier system, where the affected community is based.
On September 12, the World Bank’s Executive Board approved an Action Plan following the Inspection Panel’s report. As a result, the World Bank will work with the Government of Togo to address the issues raised by the complainants and take steps to mitigate the potential impact of the project on local people and their livelihoods.
Professor Naylor said: "I’m delighted to have been asked to contribute to the World Bank Inspection Panel’s investigation of this case, my input draws on the knowledge of coastal erosion, and climate change adaptation and use of nature-based solutions that I’ve developed over the course of my career.
"In its three-decade history, the Inspection Panel has investigated about 40 Bank-supported projects, and only a hand-full required the preparation of technical annexes. It’s an honour to have my work recognised at this level.
"I’m proud to have been able to help the affected communities in Togo via this case, and to advise the Inspection Panel on the combined impacts of human activities and coastal climate change pressures on local livelihoods in West Africa. It is terrific to see this work highlighted in a recent World Bank Inspection Panel blog."
University of Glasgow researcher contributes to World Bank Inspection Panel report
