Following the PROTEGO Inception Workshop in Accra, the team embarked on site visits to key pollution hotspots, gaining firsthand insights into waste management challenges along Ghana’s coastline. From plastic-infested banks in Anlo-Afiadenyigba to turtle nesting beaches in Ningo-Prampram, the team engaged with local stakeholders and environmental agencies to assess pollution impact and explore sustainable solutions for marine conservation. Discussions with Tema EPA and District Assemblies highlighted critical intervention areas, reinforcing PROTEGO’s commitment to combating marine litter and protecting marine ecosystems.

On November 28, PROTEGO hosted a focus group discussion in Ada-East, Ghana, bringing together key stakeholders to explore sustainable waste management solutions in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The discussion highlighted the impact of marine litter on biodiversity and local livelihoods, emphasizing the need for community-led waste reduction initiatives and collaborative recycling efforts to protect marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development.

PROTEGO convened a focus group discussion in Tema, engaging local stakeholders to assess marine litter pollution and explore actionable waste management solutions. The session examined industrial and urban waste contributions, the role of public-private partnerships, and strategies for improving waste infrastructure and policy enforcement. Insights from this discussion will help shape future interventions for marine litter reduction, biodiversity protection, and sustainable waste management in the region.

On October 24, 2024, PROTEGO hosted a Stakeholder Inception Workshop in Nigeria, uniting key public and private sector representatives to tackle marine litter challenges and foster collaborative solutions. Through stakeholder meetings and site visits, the team engaged with community leaders, policymakers, and industry representatives, mapping marine litter hotspots and assessing waste management challenges. These efforts laid the foundation for strategic partnerships and targeted interventions to drive impactful waste reduction and environmental conservation in Nigeria.

On December 9, 2024, PROTEGO hosted a focus group discussion in Ajegunle, Lagos, bringing together local government officials, environmental experts, and Circularity Africa Limited to address waste management challenges. The session explored marine litter reduction strategies, policy enforcement, and community participation in environmental conservation. Insights from this discussion will shape sustainable, community-driven solutions to tackle marine pollution and enhance waste management efforts in Nigeria.

During its tour in Calabar, the PROTEGO team visited the Qua River bank at the University of Calabar, where drainage channels discharge significant waste into the water. In response, a focus group discussion was held in Nsidung, a key marine litter hotspot, bringing together local stakeholders, fishermen, and market traders. With strong support from local government officials, discussions focused on community-driven solutions to reduce marine litter and enhance waste management practices, reinforcing PROTEGO’s commitment to tackling marine pollution at its source.