Upscaling Mangrove Restoration for Coastal Hazard Reduction in a Deltaic Environment: Prioritizing Restoration Efforts for Nature-based Solutions in the Volta Delta

Implemented by Dept. of Coastal Studies, East Carolina University, with University of Ghana, The Development Institute (Ghana), Brunel University London, & University of Houston–Clear Lake

Mangrove planting during the celebration of International Mangroves Day, 2021 by Anyanuie community’ in partnership with The Development Institute and  IUCN- Ghana Project office © The Development Institute, Ghana

This project is a collaboration between universities in the US and UK with NGO, University and community partners in Ghana to better understand how to up-scale locally appropriate mangrove Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) across the Volta Delta and beyond. Coastal communities in the Volta Delta rely on abundant mangrove forest ecosystems for extractive resources such as fuelwood as well as non-extractive benefits such as coastal hazard reduction. These mangrove resources are however threatened by unsustainable human activities and climate change. Mangrove EbA have high potential for reducing vulnerability to coastal hazards while enhancing ecosystem health. However, implementation of mangrove EbA restoration and conservation projects remains low due to a lack of understanding of the various climate, hazard, environmental and social drivers that influence EbA potential and effectiveness. Our project will help upscale Mangrove EbA in the Volta Delta by: i) improving understanding of the human and natural factors that shape EbA effectiveness; ii) building local capacity to assess EbA potential, adaptively manage EbA projects, and conduct ecological mapping and monitoring of mangrove habitats. and; iii) developing a web-based assessment tool that provides a spatial ranking of mangrove EbA potential.  

Cohort: 2nd (September 2021 cutoff)

Award: US$312,183

Footer Image: Joel Vodell © Unsplash