Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia – The once-thriving coastal community of Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County is now fighting for survival as relentless sea erosion, fueled by climate change, destroys homes, livelihoods, and dreams. What was once a source of sustenance and beauty has become a force of destruction, leaving residents in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
Grand Cape Mount County, known for its rich history and natural wonders like the Gola Forest National Park and Lake Piso, is now a stark example of the devastating impacts of coastal erosion. Rising sea levels have brought the ocean dangerously close to homes, while once-productive fishing waters now yield empty nets, compounding the losses for residents.
For Kelvin Bordee, the crisis is deeply personal. He recounts how the sea claimed both of his homes in the early hours of the morning when families were most vulnerable. “The sea carried my two houses. It happened early in the morning when people were sleeping. I thank God my family came out alive even though we lost everything,” he said. Kelvin estimates that over a thousand homes in Robertsport have been lost to the encroaching waters.
Theresa Johnson, a businesswoman and mother of five, shares a similar story of loss. She recalls the night the sea invaded her home, leaving no time to save belongings. “For me, we lost everything. The water came by night. It was difficult for us because we couldn’t take a single material with us. Right now, we’re staying in a single room that our neighbor gave us,” she explained.
Every year, Robertsport faces the unrelenting force of coastal erosion, leaving families homeless and desperate for solutions. While county authorities have proposed relocating affected residents to Semebhum Town, a 30-minute drive inland, many resist. For lifelong fishermen, moving away from the sea means losing their primary source of income and way of life.
Aaron Sambolah, the County Development Officer, warns that the situation will only worsen without immediate action. He emphasizes the urgent need for coastal defenses to protect lives and properties. “We need to act now before it’s too late,” he said.
The crisis in Robertsport is driven by several factors:
Including Wave Action, Ocean Currents, High Tides, and Climate Change. Powerful waves, especially during storms, erode the coastline and carry sediment away. Coastal and rip currents reshape shorelines by moving sediments. Rising sea levels submerge larger beach areas, accelerating erosion. Global sea level rise exacerbates the problem, leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia is working to address the crisis. Arthur Becker, Director of the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the EPA, highlights the lack of public awareness about climate change as a key challenge. “Many people don’t understand the connection between climate change and issues like sea erosion and flooding,” he said.
To combat this, the EPA has intensified public awareness campaigns through its Intersectoral Coordination Department. Collaborating with community leaders, schools, and organizations like the Liberia Red Cross Society, the initiative educates citizens about sea erosion and climate change impacts. The goal is to empower communities to adopt practices that mitigate these effects.
Liberia’s government, through the EPA, has also sought international funding, including support from the Green Climate Fund, to tackle climate challenges. Successful projects in counties like Montserrado and Sinoe offer hope that similar measures can be extended to the nine coastal counties currently threatened by erosion.
