A Non-Governmental Organisation, MANCOGA, has organized a workshop for stakeholders and the media on mangroves as a nature-based solution to coastal hazards in the Keta and Anloga districts.  

The workshop was aimed at encouraging stakeholders to support mangrove restoration and farming in the coastal areas.

The Project Lead for MANCOGA, Dr Edem Mahu, stated that there are several challenges that confront the coastal environment i.e. erosion and flooding; and the east coast has been one of those areas that has been highly affected.

Dr. Mahu noted that over the years, the authorities have been trying to address some of these issues by mainly using infrastructure or hard engineering processes, however, she noted that it is also necessary to combine science or engineering with natural solutions which can greatly benefit the area and the people. 

She said, the above natural solution in addition will also add value to the mangrove ecosystem and that MANCOGA is doing its best as an organization to address the issues in pollution, coastal erosion and flooding.

 “The east coast is one of those areas that has been highly impacted by all the issues that we are talking about. Over the years, we have been trying to address some of these issues mainly using infrastructure or hard engineering processes but the science is also pointing to the fact that hard engineering when combined with nature,  actually provide more effective solutions,” Dr Mahu said.

She further noted that residents depend largely on the mangroves as a source of livelihood and as such must be encouraged to replant the mangroves anytime they cut them for sale so that the coastal area can have enough mangroves for the protection of the coastal line . 

Executive Director of the Keta Ramsar Centre NGO, Bright Mawunyo Adzagba, noted that his organization and the Sea Water Solution have over the years planted a lot of mangroves on the islands of Fuveme and Bomigo and other places.

Mr Adzagba noted that it was very necessary for residents to cultivate the art of planting mangroves because mangroves can be used to address coastal erosion.

Also, the country director for Sea Water Solution, Raphel Ahiakpe, said his organization which is mainly focused on mangroves restoration in the two districts seeks to help residents know the value of mangrove restoration and farming.

Mr Ahiakpe noted that mangroves are a good source of livelihood not only in terms of getting fish but also monetary gains as residents in coastal areas go into several businesses involving mangroves which also helps them to be financially stable

He noted that mangroves are super trees due to its ability to mitigate climate change as well as serve as a breeding place for fishes especially when they are not cut down.