Population, Health, and Environment Program

Programs on diversified livelihoods and value chain improvements for fisher folks are developed and continue to evolve. Meanwhile, family planning programs have also been re-introduced to coastal communities. Regarding ongoing regional programs, information on and consideration of ecological functions and services has been integrated into land use planning for the Cape Three Points areas of the STMA and the Takoradi – Axim Corridor project. Other expected outcomes are that officials in four district offices are trained and equipped in land use and economic planning; a feasibility report and action plan is developed for accessing REDD funding; a small grants program has developed procedures and improved strategies for delivering programmatic components through local and regional associations and NGOs; and that a minimum of 15 small grants are awarded to local civil society groups for conservation initiatives in the three focal areas. Component 3: Improve Governance of the Seascape Alternative fisheries data collection systems that improve understanding of changes in effort are being piloted together with the Fisheries Commission; and fisheries stakeholders in the Western Region have identified and recommended to government how the development of fisheries regulations can be improved and how improved compliance can be promoted. Enforcement actions by government are improved in terms of better at-sea and shore-based surveillance and prosecutorial practices; alternatives for nested systems of co-management of the fisheries are identified and being implemented; community leaders and regional authorities are actively promoting co-management of MPAs; and institutional mandates have been proposed for co-management. The likely sources and causes of the “green-green” algae proliferations have been identified and there are recommendations for addressing the causes andor mitigating the impacts. Component 4: Build Capacity for the Governance of the Coastal Zone and Marine Fisheries Targeted partner agencies and district government personnel have developed new capabilities to apply best practices in integrated coastal planning and associated climate change vulnerability and adaptation, as well as improved skills in local scale conservation planning. Educational programs are developed and being tested for the secondary schools that facilitate involvement in participatory monitoring programs and several professional training and academic programs are evolving within the Universities of Ghana and Cape Coast that better address critical issues of ICM and fisheries co-management. A communications program is targeting coastal communities with visual and radio mediums that build stakeholder awareness of critical coastal zone issues and ways they can change individual practices that contribute to solutions. There is in place, a unified and strong civil society platform that can successfully engage the oil and gas industry, as well as the Government of Ghana, in addressing the evolving social and ecological concerns and together take measures to potentially reduce or avoid the negative impacts of oil exploitation. 45