Community-based mangrove forest management: Implications for local livelihoods and coastal resource conservation along the Volta estuary catchment area of Ghana

Background

The author of this paper recognize that there has been limited research into the primary motivators for motivating long-term community-based mangrove restoration and management on local scales. In order to fill this gap, this paper aims to assess management practices of community-based mangrove restoration projects in the Volta River estuary in Ghana, paying close attention to the ecological and economic incentives for community-based mangrove forest management (CBMFM). The site was evaluated between 1974 and 2011 and the authors used participatory mapping and orthophotos. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The study found that mangrove harvesting is economically profitable for those planting and trading mangrove forest products, but that there are negative ecological consequences of mangrove harvesting in the area. Finally, the authors provided recommendations to balance the social and ecological benefits of mangroves, including implementing a long-term monitoring program, improved spatial planning, and co-management of mangrove forests.