Protecting Atewa forest through advocacy, research and livelihood training
Restoring mangroves at Muni Lagoon Ramsar site

PAPBio

Leader: Prosper Kwame Antwi-Boasiako / Programmes Manager, Southern Sector I A Rocha Ghana

Overall Goal

To contribute to national and international efforts in managing and protecting mangrove ecosystems for sustainable coastal marine resources and human wellbeing, through community-agency collaboration, ecological restoration, and livelihood diversification.

Project Summary

The project, dubbed “Promoting Conservation, Pro-conservation Livelihoods and Community-based Management of Mangrove Ecosystems in the Keta-Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site”, seeks to restore and safeguard mangrove ecosystems at the south-western end (Anyanui-Bomigo) of the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site, Ghana.

It responds to the alarming rate of mangrove degradation, which threatens biodiversity, fisheries, soil fertility, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. Using a participatory approach, the project combines ecological restoration, alternative livelihood development, and strengthened governance structures to ensure long-term sustainability.

The initiative will help curb degradative trends in the area and restore a resilient mangrove system. By the end of the project:

30,000 mangrove seedlings will be nursed and planted.

10,000 woodlot species will be established as alternative sources of fuelwood and construction material.

60 local community members will be trained and supported in at least two sustainable pro-conservation livelihood schemes.

This project is funded by the European Union in Ghana, through IUCN.

See details of the project launch here

Project launch

The project which was officially launched on December 6, 2021 at Galotse South Tongu District in the Volta Region, brought together all stakeholders to discuss project activities with expected deliverables, and to collaboratively agree a way forward towards successful project delivery.

Project launch

Officer of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission Ghana presenting seedlings to traditional leaders as a symbol of partnership

Key Components

Sustainable Livelihood Development

Profiling and capacity building for pro-conservation livelihoods (e.g., beekeeping, conservation agriculture).
Support for vulnerable community members, with gender inclusion emphasized.

Mangrove Restoration, Rehabilitation & Sustainable Harvesting

Establishment of community-based mangrove nurseries.
Reforestation of degraded sites with 10,000 seedlings.
Creation of woodlots as alternative sources of energy and materials.
Training in sustainable harvesting techniques.

Participatory Governance and Management

Deployment of a governance baseline tool.
Formation of Coastal Resources Management Committees.
Capacity building and provision of monitoring/surveillance equipment.

Awareness and Capacity Building

Community education campaigns (festivals, film shows, school visits, forums).
Training of fishermen and youth groups in mangrove and natural resource conservation.

Specific Goals

Develop sustainable pro-conservation livelihood schemes to reduce poverty and pressure on mangroves.

Restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove forests while promoting sustainable harvesting and alternative energy sources.

Strengthen community-agency collaboration and governance through participatory management tools.

Enhance community awareness, capacity, and behavioral change toward mangrove conservation and climate adaptation.

Ensure effective project monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing for sustainability.

Expected Outcome

Livelihoods & Economy: Sustainable alternative livelihoods established, supporting inclusive growth and reducing poverty.

Ecosystem Restoration: Increased mangrove forest cover, enhanced biodiversity, improved soil conditions, and strengthened climate change mitigation/adaptation.

Governance: Strengthened community-agency partnerships through participatory co-management of mangrove resources.

Awareness & Capacity: Increased public awareness and behavioral change towards mangrove conservation, particularly among youth, women, and fishing groups.

Sustainability: Communities empowered with skills, tools, and structures to sustain mangrove conservation beyond the project’s lifespan.

More on PAPBio

Scaling Up Mangrove Protection and Conservation around the KLCRS

PAPBio

Overall Goal

To contribute to national and international efforts in managing and protecting mangrove ecosystems for sustainable coastal marine resources and human wellbeing, through community-agency collaboration, ecological restoration, and livelihood diversification.

Project Summary

The initiative will help curb degradative trends in the area and restore a resilient mangrove system. By the end of the project:

30,000 mangrove seedlings will be nursed and planted.

10,000 woodlot species will be established as alternative sources of fuelwood and construction material.

60 local community members will be trained and supported in at least two sustainable pro-conservation livelihood schemes.

This project is funded by the European Union in Ghana, through IUCN.

See details of the project launch here

Project launch

Project launch

Key Components

Profiling and capacity building for pro-conservation livelihoods (e.g., beekeeping, conservation agriculture).

Support for vulnerable community members, with gender inclusion emphasized.

Establishment of community-based mangrove nurseries.

Reforestation of degraded sites with 10,000 seedlings.

Creation of woodlots as alternative sources of energy and materials.

Training in sustainable harvesting techniques.

Deployment of a governance baseline tool.

Formation of Coastal Resources Management Committees.

Capacity building and provision of monitoring/surveillance equipment.

Community education campaigns (festivals, film shows, school visits, forums).

Training of fishermen and youth groups in mangrove and natural resource conservation.

Specific Goals

Develop sustainable pro-conservation livelihood schemes to reduce poverty and pressure on mangroves.

Restore and rehabilitate degraded mangrove forests while promoting sustainable harvesting and alternative energy sources.

Strengthen community-agency collaboration and governance through participatory management tools.

Enhance community awareness, capacity, and behavioral change toward mangrove conservation and climate adaptation.

Ensure effective project monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing for sustainability.

Expected Outcome

Livelihoods & Economy: Sustainable alternative livelihoods established, supporting inclusive growth and reducing poverty.

Ecosystem Restoration: Increased mangrove forest cover, enhanced biodiversity, improved soil conditions, and strengthened climate change mitigation/adaptation.

Governance: Strengthened community-agency partnerships through participatory co-management of mangrove resources.

Awareness & Capacity: Increased public awareness and behavioral change towards mangrove conservation, particularly among youth, women, and fishing groups.

Sustainability: Communities empowered with skills, tools, and structures to sustain mangrove conservation beyond the project’s lifespan.

More on PAPBio

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