The Songor mangrove project in the lower Volta basin in Ghana has taken a significant step forward in addressing both climate change and local livelihood challenges. A Blue Deal workshop in October brought key stakeholders together to explore the potential for expansion of the mangrove coverage in combination with the generation of carbon credits.
These stakeholders included the Blue Deal team Ghana, Water Resource Commission (WRC), Forestry Commission, District Assemblies, and Treevive/Face the Future.
Tap into the voluntary carbon market
The focus of the day was to identify key areas for mangrove restoration andexpansion, and to understand the organisational frameworks needed to leverage carbon storage for both environmental and economic benefits. Mangroves can play a role in storing carbon, and through the Blue Deal initiative, Ghana aims to tap into the voluntary carbon market by expanding mangrove acreage.
Benefits of carbon credit system
Treevive presented the carbon credit system, where carbon emitters pay off their emissions, and funds are used to support mangrove planting and maintenance. Although the start-up phase takes up to 8 years, the project promises long-term benefits up to 40 years, including alternative livelihoods, coastal protection and improved water quality.
Risks for the project
Another part of the workshop was about defining risks in the future project, so a risk matrix was made. A key challenge discussed was land fragmentation in the region, where land is owned by communities, private individuals, or leased, complicating ownership and management of the mangroves. Stakeholders agreed that a trust fund would help manage carbon credits and ensure fair distribution of funds. The initiative has stirred up optimism for creating a sustainable future in the region, with a focus on collaboration, community involvement, and a long-term strategy for mangrove restoration.
Field visits
During the Blue Deal work visit, several field visits took place in the Songor area to assess the suitability for mangrove restoration. Field visits have also taken place in the Keta area that may be included in the assessment.
Prefeasibility study
Treevive/Face the Future has begun assessing the prefeasibility study for the Songor restoration project, building on previous studies, as well as insights gained from this week’s field visits and workshops.