Senegal: Historic city and livelihoods lost to rising sea

At the water's edge in Senegal: this is the port of Saint-Louis in Senegal. The city was built in the 17th century for its strategic coastal position at the mouth of the Senegal River and was the capital of French West Africa until 1902. But these days, its proximity to the ocean is a threat. The UN has warned that the city is at greater risk from rising sea levels than any other in Africa.
The port of Saint-Louis in Senegal. The city was built in the 17th century at the mouth of the Senegal River and was the capital of French West Africa until 1902. But these days, its proximity to the ocean is a threat (photo: Joost Bastmeijer)

The stunning coastal city of Saint-Louis is at greater risk from rising sea levels than any other in Africa. A rich architectural heritage and traditional coastal livelihoods are vanishing under the growing tide.