The primary objective is to promote the protection of marine ecosystem in the lower Volta basin through collaborative resource management to improve livelihood.
Specific objectives are
i. To restore 5 hectares of degraded ecological habitats through rehabilitation and planting of 15,000 avicennia marina mangrove species and 5,000 other appropriate tree seedlings and species within the wetlands ecosystem
ii. To establish a 5-hectare alternative wood lot through planting of diverse fast growing tree seedlings as fuel wood for domestic use and as a business venture.
iii. To facilitate the training of 100 households in three communities in the construction of energy efficient tripod stoves to drastically reduce use of wood fuel.
iv. To provide adequate information on conservation of species and the environment through the provision of information and prohibitive signs in schools and communities within the site
v. To facilitate the provision alternative livelihood enterprises and improve the livelihood of 30 households within the project area.
These set objectives are important to GEF / SGP as they are as described above fit into the focal project area of biodiversity conservation and capacity development as it will empower the community at the local level to conserve the marine ecosystem. The project through participatory awareness on energy conservation and climate change will adopt the best available culturally acceptable practices to protect mangroves and reduce use of wood fuel energy.

Expected Outputs
At the end of the project the following outcomes are expected:
a) Capacity of 100 community members developed to manage wetlands resources around five communities.
b) Ten (10) hectares of degraded Songor wetlands site restored through planting and natural regeneration of mangroves and other appropriate seedlings.
c) Climate smart bio energy resources developed in three (3) communities.
d) Alternative livelihood activities that support sustainable wetlands resources management developed for 60 households in the three communities

Description of Project Activities

Use of mangrove trees for heating, cooking, and smoking fish is of high preference among communities within the site has led to the exploitation of trees and other resources. Degraded zones within the core, buffer and, traditionally protected sites would be demarcated and planted using appropriate mangroves species. Five (5) ha of degraded wetlands restored by enrichment planting and natural regeneration (15,000 Avicennia - marina species and 10,000 other seedlings).

Mangroves require a longer maturity period for utilization, especially as fuel wood. A 5ha alternative woodlot would be established with very fast growing species that are adapted to the saline soil. This would be harvested on rotational basis and sold to women involved in fish smoking, baking and frying of clams. Five (5) ha of wood lot established as a buffer stock for domestic fuel wood and as a business venture for the community to harvest and sell on a sustainable basis.
Inefficient energy stoves use considerable amount of fuel wood and charcoal. Women in 10 households in three communities would be trained to manufacture 50 energy efficient cooking tripod stoves in their kitchens using available local materials. This will be undertaken from August to September 2017 when demand on fuel wood is very high.

A community nursery would be established near the creek of the Volta River with support from the forestry commission to support the production of 40,000 seedlings comprising 15,000 mangroves and 25,000 other fast growing seedlings.

Information and prohibitive signs, manuals and posters will be produced, distributed and erected within spots of profound ecological challenges. Schools, communities and organized groups within and outside the GEF project area will receive this information based on pertaining threats.

Selected schools, communities and collaborative institutions within the project area will be educated on available natural resources and laws governing their protection and utilization. Posters, brochures and other printed material would be distributed.

Poverty and inadequate livelihood options result in over-exploitation of mangroves and other natural resources. Skills of women in households would be upgraded and supported with startup capitals to diversify their businesses and value will be added to already existing business activities. Collaboratively, this would be implemented with the Business Advisory Service center. Sixty (60) women trained and supported with diverse livelihood activities to improve household income (liquid and cake soap, shower gel etc.).

The establishment and maintenance of mangrove plantation require adequate skills and logistics. Cultivators and communities to be engaged in restoration and rehabilitation activities would be trained to eradicate or minimize the effect of Acrostichum aureum, a parasitic plant on the mangrove plantation. This would be done prior to the establishment of the mangrove plantations.

It’s believed that mangroves can absorb atmospheric carbon more than other plants. Carbon stock per hectare of existing mangroves would be established through appropriate research techniques.

Thirty (30) selected community members will be trained to form biodiversity champions to protect the resources at the project area.