About PROTEGO

PROTEGO is a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution in Ghana and Nigeria by strengthening waste management systems and promoting circular economy approaches. The project targets the Gulf of Guinea, a region significantly affected by plastic waste leakage due to inefficient waste collection, disposal practices, and weak enforcement of environmental policies.

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), the project is led by adelphi research gGmbH, in partnership with local and international institutions, government agencies, and NGOs.

Running from July 2024 to July 2027, PROTEGO focuses on identifying major sources of marine litter, implementing scalable waste management solutions, and fostering policy reforms. The project will map waste flows, introduce pilot projects for improved collection and recycling, and strengthen institutional capacities to support long-term solutions.

A key element of PROTEGO is the integration of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, ensuring shared responsibility and effective implementation of waste reduction measures. By engaging communities, policymakers, and businesses, the project aims to create a sustainable shift in waste management practices that extends beyond the project duration.

Through awareness campaigns, capacity-building efforts, and policy interventions, PROTEGO seeks to reduce plastic waste leakage, enhance recycling efforts, and drive behavioral change, ultimately contributing to cleaner coastal and marine environments in West Africa.