Mangrove restoration in the Songor Lagoon of Ghana
- mwierda6
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
Climate change is a reality in Ghana. The sea level is rising and coastal protection is becoming increasingly important. The NWB Fund supported a study on the use of mangrove as a natural coast protection.
Partners and stakeholders
This study was initiated by Blue Deal Ghana together together with the Water Resources Commission, in collaboration with local partners such as the Volta Revival Foundation and the Focal Point Nature-Based Solutions. Almost 300 inhabitants participated in questionnaires and workshops and thus increased local involvement.
Vulnerability Songor lagune
The study aimed at a pre-feasability study for the restoration of mangrove in the Songor Lagoon. Mangrove is essential for biodiversity, protection against flooding and livelihood like fishing and salt production. Ecological and hydrological restoration, involvement of local communities and funding models with e.g. carbon credits were all part of the research. The Songor Lagoon is located at the east coast of Ghana. It is a RAMSAR site and UNESCO biosphere reserve, that encompasses unique wetlands that deteriorated by decreasing inflow of fresh water en pressures from the surrounding areas.
The study
The team combined hydrological analyses, waterquality monitoring and community consultation to establish the opportunities for mangrove restoration. Important recommendations from the study are:
Developing a Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) to strengthen local governance.
Dredging and removing sludge in creeks to restore the natural flow of eb and flood.
Using a carbon credit model to fund large scale restoration of mangrove in the Songor Lagoon and connect it with neighbouring logoons like Keta.
Planting of mangrove on over 800 hectares in the Songor Lagoon.
Ecosystem restoration
The loss of mangrove threatens biodiversity, increases the risks of flooding, and undermines livelihoods. The restoration of these ecosystems on the other hand enhances climate resilience, supports sustainable development and contributes to CO₂ absorption goals. Upscaling of mangrove restoration in alle Ghana's logoons could lead to absorption of more than 400.000 ton CO₂ , which is a significant climate mitigation impact.
Next steps
Pilot activities will start soon, like dredging creeks, planting of seedlings and training of commnities. An Integrated Water Resources Management‑plan (IWRM) for the Songor catchment will lay a foudation for sustainability of the Songor Lagoon in the long run.
Educational programmes in local schools will raise the awareness of wetlands and climate adaptation.
