14 baseline data on available species in the wetlands are lacking. Furthermore, spatial
information on the present natural boundaries, extent of loss of the wetlands or encroachment on adjacent riparian vegetation has not been quantified. However, for the
implementation of effective ecosystem management programme, these data are mandatory requirements.
The study was commissioned by the Friends of the Nation FoN against this background for conservation purposes and to recommend improvement measures at the
selected sites. The project had as a primary objective to conduct rapid ecological surveys to estimate the biodiversity status of selected wetlands namely the Essei and Butuah
lagoons and the Whin River estuary. Among others, the information could be used to advance effective collaboration with local Government authorities and other stakeholders
in advocating for necessary bye-laws on their wise use. The Project was based on a three- week field sampling and laboratory investigations, as well as the use of Geographic
Information Systems GIS and Global Positioning Systems GPS. The mass of information gathered is numerous, and goes beyond what could be handled in single
report. This therefore required to focus on particular aspects, in particular relating the scientific findings to possible mitigation actions to reduce impacts on biodiversity assets
identified.
1.1 The Terms of Reference
1. Collect data on the general flora and fauna species content of the wetlands
2. Identify any rare and threatened species within the wetlands ecosystems
3. Identify the breeding patterns and habitat of the rare and threatened species needs
to support enrichment planting and management plan preparation
4. Provide monitoring and evaluation indicators for the biological systems within the
wetlands ecosystem
1.2 Research objectives Specifically, the study aimed at ensuring that:
an inventory of flora and fauna present in the wetlands, including their composition is made available.
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a database on the classification of the flora and fauna species, providing information on their breeding patterns are provided.
GIS and remote sensing techniques are deployed to characterize the spatial extent of the wetlands, including an assessment of their natural borders contours of the
wetlands and settlement areas, including any assessment of change in land use estimate change in area of surface water over the past 3 decades where necessary.
degradation or sanitation issues are addressed.
socio-economic and environmental values are addressed. water quality data of the wetlands is analysed;
conservation priorities for the wetland areas are suggested.
Fig. 1 provides a conceptual framework used as a guidance to implement the rapid assessment. It was adapted from, and consistent with the Ramsar Framework for
Wetland Inventory. However, it must be noted that certain steps were minimized in order to take account of the very short time required to undertake such a
preliminary assessment.
The next section provides a background overview of the distinguishing features of lagoons and estuaries studied addressing relative importance for fisheries
production. The policy issues have been documented, in particular looking at related programmes that have been implemented in the country. The methods
employed have been described in an outlined extent. This is followed by the results. A discussion is made in the light of key findings and conclusions have
been drawn. Attempt has been made at recommending remediation and management actions.
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Figure 1: Conceptual framework for the Rapid Ecological Assessment in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region modified from the Ramsar
Framework for Wetland Inventory Resolution VIII.6.
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2. BACKGROUND
