Integrated Land and Water Management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System

Country: Ghana

Project Lead: University of Education, Winneba – Ghana

Summary: The Greater Amanzule Wetland (GAW) is threatened by artisanal mining, climate change, rubber plantations, and subsistence farming despite its ecological support for fauna and flora. Major interventions have focused less on the hydrological systems of the GAW. This project seeks to bridge this knowledge gap through work packages: hydrological systems and ecosystem service analysis; climate-smart farming for households; and development of decision tools and policy briefs to enhance conservation efforts.

The expected outcomes are: i) land use maps and spatial database indicating areas of significant degradation to inform restoration activities; ii) hydrological maps and reports on the level of pollution; iii) ecosystem services report to understand the ecosystem benefit of GAW to households and challenges affecting the services; iv) improved livelihood activities of over 400 households to be trained in beekeeping, agroforestry and native species nursery; v) maps and report indicating restored landscape; vi) decision support tools for government officials and stakeholders to enhance ecological planning and decisions; and vii) dissemination of reports and policy briefs.

The ultimate aim is to help improve livelihoods of households and the ecosystem services of GAW under increasing pressures of man and climate change. Also, to help Ghana conserve its wetland and maintain its National Determined Contributions with respect to carbon.

Photography (Detail): Akiwumi