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Oil pollution poses a significant threat to the coastline of southern Africa, necessitating the development of contingency plans for the region. Since the main objective of such plans is to minimize environmental damage, the compilation of sensitivity maps detailing coastal resources and assessing them in terms of oil pollution were seen as the first steps in such a project. The sensitivity maps covering the southern African coastline have been incorporated in an atlas. Each map features a coastal strip color coded on the basis of a geomorphological classification/sensitivity index and various superimposed symbols designating natural and socioeconomic resources. Detailed notes accompanying each map provide the rationale for establishing priorities. Experience gained during the Castillo de Bellver incident in 1983 showed that such information is invaluable in obtaining cooperation with tanker insurance representatives and is essential for preparing successful contingency plans.

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