PROTEGO Project's Inception Tour: Visiting Marine Litter Hotspots in Ghana
As part of its mission to combat marine litter in the Gulf of Guinea, the PROTEGO Project conducted an inception tour across multiple locations in Ghana to assess the severity of plastic pollution and engage with local stakeholders. The three-year project (July 2024 – June 2027), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety, aims to develop innovative waste management solutions in Ghana and Nigeria.
The tour began in the Tema Metropolitan Area, where the team worked alongside Plastic Punch and the Ghana National Cleaner Production Centre to identify critical hotspots for marine litter. The visit laid the foundation for collaborative efforts in tackling plastic waste through targeted interventions.
Further visits included the Ada-East District Assembly, where the team met with local stakeholders to discuss challenges and explore potential waste management solutions tailored to the region’s specific needs. This engagement emphasized the importance of community participation in reducing marine litter.
Another major site was the plastic-infested turtle nesting beach in Ningo-Prampram, where marine pollution poses a severe threat to the survival of endangered sea turtles. The team, accompanied by District Assembly representatives, assessed the impact of plastic waste on critical nesting habitats and explored conservation strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems.
The team also visited the banks of Anlo-Afiadenyigba, where an unconventional approach to land reclamation is being practiced, Municipal waste is used as a barrier against rising tides. While this method temporarily mitigates coastal erosion, it presents significant environmental risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. The visit aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of this practice and explore viable solutions that balance environmental conservation with land protection efforts.
Through these site visits, the PROTEGO Project gained valuable insights into Ghana’s plastic waste crisis, reinforcing its commitment to developing effective, locally driven solutions for marine litter prevention in the Gulf of Guinea.
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