The marine and coastal environment are essential for life on earth and they perform a number of essential environmental functions including maintaining biological control, climate regulation, carbon dioxide absorption and erosion prevention. In addition, livelihoods of communities within the coastal zone and even beyond depend on the coastal and marine resources.

Efforts have been made by various actors to address the threats faced by the marine and coastal environment in the Western Region of Ghana. The diverse resources, human population increase and economic growth in the Western Region have resulted in considerable pressure on the marine and coastal environment leading to the degradation of a unique but vital ecosystems.

This report is based on the available primary and secondary information from relevant stakeholders involved in the management of Ghana’s marine and coastal environment, in addition, traditional knowledge and expert elicitation was also employed and provides an overview of the current state of the marine and coastal environment in Ahanta West, Ellembelle, Jomoro and Nzema East Districts of the Western Region of Ghana.

The full report in English can be found here: State of the Marine Environment Report