Drowning Heritage: The Impact of Climate Change and Erosion on Azizakpe’s Water Culture

Islands have built their culture and heritage around bodies of water. However, due to climate change, the coastal islands are steadily disappearing because of severe flooding and erosion, as in the case of Azizakpe, a fishing community whose history and culture are strongly connected to water. Human activities, including the dredging of the estuary, along with sea level rise exacerbated by global climate change are the primary drivers for this loss. Although various coastal management and adaptation measures have been introduced, their outcomes remain uncertain. This study examines the Azizakpe community and the rapidly deteriorating state of the island. It highlights the effect on local livelihoods and how the community is attempting to cope with the situation and safeguard their water-based heritage, which will be at risk if islanders are displaced.