Environmental reform of West and Central Africa ports: the influence of colonial legacies

What is it about?

The article comes as part of a research project on ‘Environmental transformation of African ports’. It compares environmental management processes of four West and Central Africa ports using three elements of ecological modernisation theory: changing role of the state, involvement of economic actors, and new roles for civil societal organisations, as a sensitizing framework. It is found that flexible national politico-administrative arrangements that enable the inclusion of new non-state actors and mechanisms are key to environmental reform progress of West and Central Africa ports. Existing national politico-administrative arrangements for environmental management of the ports are however shaped by colonial legacies and beyond the influence of the ports. It is therefore argued that an adequate understanding of environmental reform processes of West and Central Africa ports requires following globalisation trends, but also taking into consideration national historical trajectories.

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Why is it important?

It is important for appreciating and understanding how to respond to and shape environmental policy and governance approaches for African ports.

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