Emmanuel Tamufor ( University of Guelph )
Abstract
Coastal zones are increasingly vulnerable to natural and human pressures, intensified by climate change. On the west coast of Newfoundland, recent development initiatives raise concerns about environmental degradation, while Cameroon’s west coast in the Gulf of Guinea faces more acute challenges due to rapid population growth and ecological stressors. This paper compares governance strategies for sustainability in these two regions, examining how emerging environmental pressures that fragilize these coastal zones are shaping policy responses. Using qualitative research methods, including content analysis of peer‑reviewed literature, policy documents, government reports, and interviews with key informants, the study traces the evolution of coastal governance since the 1980s, with significant shifts following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Findings reveal that while both regions have developed strategies to address sustainability, inadequate funding constrains implementation. Compared to Newfoundland, implementation in Cameroon seems to be stagnating. The study argues that strengthened environmental governance regimes are essential to ensure that development remains within ecological limits, offering lessons for coastal sustainability in diverse contexts.