Hɛn Mpoano has joined forces with the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and the Water Research Institute (WRI) as an implementing partner to launch the Integrated Land and Water Management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System (ILGAWS) Project. This three-year research initiative which aims to understand and enhance conservation efforts in the sustainable management of one of Ghana’s most vital wetland ecosystems providing critical insights to inform policies and conservation strategies by 2027.

The project was launched on 18th February 2025 in Beyin, Western Region, Ghana, a community at the heart of the Greater Amanzule wetland system where much of the research will take place.

The Project launch event was rich in culture and brought together diverse stakeholders, including traditional authorities,Non-Governmental Institutions, Fisher groups, Community members and governmental institutions, all supporting the course of sustainable wetland management.

For over 15 years, Hɛn Mpoano has worked at the forefront of marine and coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, and community engagement. With deep-rooted trust and partnerships built in the Greater Amanzule wetland communities, our involvement in the ILWGAWS Project is not just an extension of our mission it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the people and ecosystems that depend on these wetlands.

Speaking at the project launch, Mr. Kofi Agbogah, Director of Hɛn Mpoano, emphasized the urgent need for conservation efforts that not only protect biodiversity but also uplift the well-being of local communities. “The Greater Amanzule Wetland System is not just an ecological asset; it is the foundation of livelihoods, culture, and resilience for the people who live here. Conservation must be people-centered, ensuring that communities benefit while we restore and protect these vital ecosystems,” he stated.

Hɛn Mpoano has been at the heart of advocacy against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, mangrove deforestation, and unplanned land use, which continue to threaten the integrity of Ghana’s wetlands. Our extensive experience working in these coastal landscapes positions us as a critical player in shaping policies and engaging with communities to drive sustainable change.

As a key implementing partner, He mentioned Hɛn Mpoano would be bringing in a wealth of expertise and innovative approaches to ensure the success of the ILWGAWS Project which would include; Provision of specialized technical expertise in marine and coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, and wetland management. The Employing of advanced GIS and remote sensing technologies for habitat mapping, land-use analysis, and conservation planning and Finally Facilitating community engagement and participation, ensuring that local voices and traditional knowledge inform decision-making processes as it has built the trust with these coastal communities for the past decade.

At the event, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) was in attendance and during his key note address at the project launch he underscored the significance of human progress and the necessity of sustainable development. He posed a fundamental question to the audience: “What is the purpose of our existence?” His response was unequivocal- “every endeavour undertaken, and every innovation introduced must ultimately be directed towards the enhancement of human life”

Prof. Mitchual emphasized that, conservation efforts must evolve with forward-thinking solutions that protect natural ecosystems while simultaneously enhancing community well-being. He stressed that the ILGAWS Project should prioritize the welfare of the communities involved, ensuring that environmental preservation goes hand in hand with socio-economic development.

The project Co-ordinator, Dr. Adams Osman presented the project overview and its objectives. He emphasised on the importance of community involvement, stakeholder collaboration, and climate resilience in ensuring the initiative’s success. He indicated that the project is designed to achieve on five key objectives to;

Understand Wetland Dynamics – Examine the hydrological characteristics and systems that define the Greater Amanzule Wetland, Assess Environmental Changes – Analyze ecosystem service changes over the past 30 years and identify potential risks for the future, Evaluate Socio-Economic Impacts – Study the social, economic, physical, and political factors affecting the wetland’s hydrological and ecological balance, Promote Sustainable Livelihoods – Explore alternative, community-based conservation approaches and introduce climate-smart agriculture to enhance hydrological and ecosystem services and lastly Strengthen Conservation Policies – Identify gaps in current conservation efforts and enhance policies through training, policy briefings, and the development of decision-support tools.

The ILWGAWS Project marks a significant step toward the sustainable management of the Greater Amanzule Wetlands.

By combining scientific research, community engagement, and policy support, the initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts while enhancing local livelihoods, ensuring long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits.

 This project is made possible through the support of Royal Botanic Gardens- Kew, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA, UK), DAI , Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, UK Aid, whose commitment to sustainable land and water management is advancing the conservation of Ghana’s wetlands.

Gallery from the event