Project Region 

Ghana and Nigeria, both coastal nations in West Africa, share common environmental challenges, particularly concerning plastic waste mismanagement and its impact on the Gulf of Guinea. These countries are experiencing rapid urbanization, increasing plastic consumption, and inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to severe marine pollution. While economic activities such as fishing, trade, and tourism are vital to local livelihoods, they also contribute to growing plastic waste, exacerbating the threat to coastal biodiversity and public health. Inefficient collection systems and a lack of recycling infrastructure further aggravate the issue, necessitating urgent policy reforms and sustainable waste solutions.

With over 39 million people living along the coasts of Ghana and Nigeria, addressing plastic waste leakage is crucial. The PROTEGO project focuses on improving waste management systems, implementing circular economy solutions, and engaging communities to reduce marine pollution and create a sustainable waste management framework for the region.