As Ghana takes a bold step toward establishing its first Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Greater Cape Three Points Area, Hen Mpoano is leading a new effort to ensure that conservation not only protects ecosystems but also empowers people.
The Gender-Responsive Conservation (GRC) project seeks to make marine conservation inclusive, equitable, and safe for everyone especially women, youth, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Funded by the Government of Norway through the RISE Challenge managed by IUCN, the project is implemented by Hen Mpoano in collaboration with The Ark Foundation and CEWEFIA, over a 20-month period (2025–2027) in Ghana’s Western Region.
Fisheries are the heartbeat of Ghana’s coastal economy, yet the rapid decline in fish stocks has placed enormous strain on livelihoods and families. Women who make up more than half of the fisheries workforce as processors, traders, and caretakers often carry the heaviest burden when fishing restrictions are enforced.
While Marine Protected Areas promise ecological recovery, they can also heighten social and economic tensions if gender considerations are ignored. In some communities, reduced access to fishing grounds can lead to domestic stress, economic hardship, and increased risk of GBV and exploitation.
The GRC project ensures that Ghana’s first MPA does not only conserve fish but also protects human dignity, promotes equality, and strengthens community safety.
Projects Goal
To integrate GBV prevention, mitigation, and response into marine conservation governance, ensuring that Ghana’s first MPA is managed in a way that is both environmentally sustainable and socially just.
To make conservation truly inclusive, GRC is implementing practical, community-driven actions such as:
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Conducting gender analyses and community safety audits across 11 coastal communities.
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Developing and implementing GBV risk mitigation and safety action plans.
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Training 60 environmental practitioners and community leaders in gender-responsive conservation and leadership.
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Empowering 165 women, youth, and GBV survivors through livelihood training, mentorship, and business development.
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Establishing Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and peer-to-peer male engagement groups to foster shared responsibility.
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Creating Circles of Support and local referral systems to strengthen GBV response mechanisms.
Expected Impact
By the end of the project, GRC seeks to have:
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Embedded gender and GBV prevention strategies into MPA governance and management.
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Empowered women and youth to play leading roles in fisheries decision-making.
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Strengthened community-based GBV prevention and response systems, creating safer, more resilient coastal communities.
The project will directly supports about 3,000 individuals including 2,000 women and 1,000 men across 11 fishing communities. Indirectly, it benefits an additional 12,000 people, building awareness and strengthening gender equity throughout the Greater Cape Three Points landscape.
Contact
Adiza Ama Owusu,
Project Manageress,
Email: aowusu@henmpoano.org / adizaamaowusu@yahoo.com
