8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
TERRESTRIAL AND MARINE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE WESTERN REGION
Though sectoral measures are essential in sustainable management of natural resources, efforts should be made for an efficiently co-ordinated integrated
governance approach to manage the biodiversity assets of the Region.
8.1 IMPROVED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
The continual recorded depletion of fish stocks and reduced catches is negatively impacting the socio-economy and livelihoods of the communities. It is therefore
necessary to undertake the following measures aimed at improving fisheries management and conservation in the Region:
• Resource and build capacity of Fisheries Department in the Region to ensure
comprehensive data collection for inclusion in the national fisheries database •
Enforce ban on pair trawling, “light fishing” and other destructive fishing methods such as use of small mesh nets, poisons and explosives in all aquatic habitats
• Provide support for closed seasons in estuaries and lagoons as imposed by
traditional authorities •
Control activities of foreign fishing vessels in Ghana waters
8.2 PROTECTION OF EXISTING FOREST RESERVES
The Western Region has one coastal forest reserves, the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve. While many of the coastal protected areas in the Region are in good
condition, developmental activities in the area will put Cape Three points at a high risk. Already, the reserve is at risk from widespresd encroachment and poaching.
There is, therefore, the need to establish baseline information on these reserves that will aid sound biodiversity conservation and management.
8.3 LAGOONS AND WETLANDS PROTECTION
Of particular concern is the fact that sensitive lagoons that are important bird habitats and turtle nesting beaches are becoming increasingly vulnerable to degradation from
development. The oil find in the region is attracting more people to the area and therefore likely to increase pressure on these wetlands. There is a need to strengthen
local and formal governance systems with a view to conserving these critical habitats.
8.4 MANAGEMENT OF ALGAL BLOOM
Address the infestation of coastal waters by the green alga Enteromorpha flexuosa by conducting studies to find source of infestation and contributory factors to the blooms.
This may ultimately involve the collaboration of the Ivorian authorities.
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8.5 TOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
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