The project addresses the problem of loss of biodiversity in coastal marine ecosystem of Ada district where salt mining is fast degrading the remaiing forests. The project area is Dornukitcherkope Islands one of the islands left in the lower Volta basin with a virgin mangrove forest and wildlife species ? monkeys, African pythons, monitor lizards, forest and savanna birds. The river/creek harbours diverse aquatic species including manatees, Nile crocodiles. Natural and mostly human activities threatened the ecological habitat of the few species left on the island.

The goal of the project is to restore the ecological and biological integrity of Dornukitcherkope Island for the promotion of ecotourism and improvement in the livelihood of the island community / members.

The project is set up to achieve the following:

1. Awareness creation and development of local capacity for conservation and management of biodiversity on the Dornukitcherkope Island. The project will undertake education, awareness and public communication on the Dornukitcherkope Island and the immediate surrounding island communities. This will involve day/night video shows in schools and communities on conservation of the environment and wildlife species. Community consultation, meeting with chiefs, opinion leaders and other members of the community shall be arranged to educate and strategize for efficient conservation actions. Women groups in churches, societies and families shall also be met on same issues. There shall also be radio conservation programs on the local FM station (Radio Ada). Conservation posters, brochures, leaflets, information and fact sheets shall be distributed to schools and communities from various environmental and conservation agencies to increase awareness. The activity shall be facilitated and implemented by Wildlife Division, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and Radio Ada. It will be an on going programme that will start within the first month of the project. Targeted communities will be visited at least twice within the one and half year project period. The Wildlife Division will assist the organization with its speed boat and public address system to reach the island communities.

2. Island habitat improved through demarcation, enrichment planting, natural regeneration, establishment of wood lots and sustainable farming methods. The project has already identified several locations in the wetland area that serve as habitats for various species. These include whole islands that are currently uninhabited by humans; isolated parts of inhabited islands; quiet and forested creeks and portions of the main marine coastline. The Monkey Island next to Dornukitsekope is currently uninhabited by humans, is heavily forested in some parts and has large numbers of monkeys. The species of monkeys, their numbers and ecology needs to be studied. As a first activity, the project will need to do a quick survey of the whole area to identify additional sensitive habitats and species that will need to be protected. This will supplement those that have already been identified, namely, Monkey Island next to Dornokitcherkope, Monkey sanctuary at Adzekekope, Hawk Sanctuary at Dornokitcherkope, Bird Sanctuary at Treeskewonor, Manatee Habitats at Kponkpor-kope, Tuanyanikope, Alorkpome, Afrive, Kewuse, Anazome, Azizakope, Crocodile Habitats north of Afrive

The project will in collaboration with Wildlife Division will demarcate and protect these habitats as biodiversity sanctuaries in the Ramsar Site. Identification and inventory of species would be conducted.

To further reduce degradation of the ecology and threat to biodiversity, habitat improvement / manipulation activities shall be undertaken by the communities. This will involve the enrichment planting of the core and land use areas of the island project site to be demarcated by the communities.

Desilting and clearing of 2km of the island creek of the Volta River to enhance the navigation, aquatic life and regeneration of mangrove seeds and seedlings. This will be facilitated by the Vlota River Authority, and Wildlife Division for nursing and supply of seedlings to the communities. Procurement of equipment for the desilting of the creek will be done by the project committee. Planting of exotic species will be done to enhance growth of the seedlings.

Research, surveys and monitoring of the island core areas, biodiversity and the aquatic medium shall be undertaken to identify species and concentration points, predict trends, encroachments levels etc. The activity shall be undertaken on marine turtles, manatees, monkeys, mangroves etc. Presentation of outcome to community members shall be done periodically, so as to create awareness and win their support for conservation of biodiversity and the environment. This shall be facilitated by the Wildlife Division with assistance from the community members and other stakeholders.

To further conserve wildlife species and their ecology, 30 selected island and coastal community members shall be selected, trained and equipped to act as community conservation volunteers. The volunteers shall be selected from communities of the project based on interest, dedication and nomination by community opinion leaders. They shall undergo training in environmental and conservation laws, fire fighting, safe handling of agrochemicals etc. The volunteers shall provide information on biodiversity; educate communities they represent on biodiversity conservation, wild fire prevention, proper use and handling of agrochemicals. The training in fire fighting and prevention shall be done by Fire Service, safe use of agrochemicals by MOFA and environmental and conservation laws by wildlife Division all in the decentralized district Assembly. They shall be provided with a cutlass, Wellington boots and t-shirts after the training.

3. Sustainable income generating alternative livelihoods developed to enhance biodiversity conservation
The project will facilitate the formulation of an ecotourism plan for the islands and promote ecotourism through the following activities:
? Construction of a visitor landing and reception point on the island with information of the island ? historical background, biological species available and their status, interesting sites, communities and economic activities etc?
? Procurement of a 2 (8-10 capacity) canoe to facilitate creek clearing, creek bank planting, conveyance of seedlings and working tools, movement of community members for meetings / work, tourist and facilitators / resource persons of the project.
? Production of brochures of the island, community etc?.
? Demarcation of viewing points and creation of access trails.

As a way of improving living standard and enhancing environmental conservation, the capacity of the Dornokitcherkope island and immediate surrounding island communities will be improved in the following through workshops, seminars and hands on demonstration. The Ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) will train the community on the risks involve in the use of agrochemicals and introduce alternatives Sustainable farming methods that will enhance yield whiles conserving soil fertility. The program will be done on the island and visit to demonstration farms of MOFA or selected individuals. MOFA will facilitate the acquisition of hybrid ducks and goats for distribution to trained selected families on the island and the fringing island communities. This will be distributed to women and children that mostly depend on the wetland resources, especially charcoal burners and fuel wood sellers.