Hen Mpoano, in collaboration with the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and the Water Research Institute of Ghana is advancing efforts to enhance the conservation and sustainable management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System (GAW). This initiative seeks to safeguard the region’s hydrological and ecological integrity while supporting local livelihoods through innovative, climate-smart solutions.
The Greater Amanzule Wetlands are among Ghana’s most ecologically significant landscapes, providing essential ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, and habitat for biodiversity.
However, rapid environmental and socio-economic changes pose risks to the long-term sustainability of this vital wetland system.
The Integrated Land and Water Management of the Greater Amanzule Wetland System (ILWGAWS) project would be a Three (3) year research based project with the initiatives 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.
- Strengthen Conservation Policies – Identify gaps in current conservation efforts and enhance policies through training, policy briefings, and the development of decision-support tools.
The project was launched on 18th February 2025 in Beyin, Western Region, Ghana. A central point of where all the research would be carried out.
On this project, Hen Mpoano as a leading organization in marine and coastal conservation, would bring on board extensive experience in wetland management, community engagement, and policy advocacy to the project.
Our contributions would include:
1. Provide specialized technical expertise in marine and coastal conservation, sustainable fisheries, and wetland management.
2. Employ advanced GIS and remote sensing technologies for habitat mapping, land-use analysis, and conservation planning.
3. Facilitate community engagement and participation, ensuring that local voices and traditional knowledge inform decision-making processes as we have built the trust with these coastal communities for the past decade.
The project is a £13.4 Million Funded project through collaborative efforts from;
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA, UK)
- DAI – Shaping a More Livable World
- Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate
- UK Aid
Protecting the Greater Amanzule Wetland System requires a multi-stakeholder approach. We invite government agencies, research institutions, conservation groups, and private sector actors to support us on this journey.
With the believe of using science-driven research, participatory conservation, and strategic advocacy, we aim to secure good long-term health of Ghana’s wetlands for future generations.
For enquiries call : +233 (024) 637 7874 | +233 (024) 333 7580
Email us : ilgaws@uew.edu.gh or info@henmpoano.org
