Ghana Wetlands Sustainability Conference/

Moving towards a decade of ecosystem restoration as declared by the United Nations
Environment Programme, it is necessary for mobilization of actions to redress and restore
nature. The United Nations Environment Programme states that
“Restoration of the ecosystem is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals, mainly those on climate change, poverty eradication, food
security, water, and biodiversity conservation.”
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (hereafter the Decade) is a global effort aimed at
restoring the planet and ensuring One Health for people and nature. The Decade binds
environmentalists towards the goal of preventing and restoring ecosystem services. Wetlands,
water birds, marine life, and coastal environment are in ominous need of protection.
T
Concept Note of the 2 2
ND Ghana Wetlands Sustainability Conference
Anthropogenic actions have increased the deterioration of wetlands resources mainly urban
encroachment. In a study conducted by Youth Legacy Ghana in 2020, urban encroachment has
led to the destruction of the flora of the Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site. The case could be the
same for other inland wetlands in Ghana due to the massive land degradation caused by illegal
mining “Galamsey”. The unwise use of wetlands in Ghana has caused massive destruction to
coastal environment livelihood as marine litter has increased in all forms. Restoring damaged
wetlands resources is one of the best ways to contribute to climate sustainability because
wetlands act as carbon sinks. All wetlands are proficient in sequestering and storing carbon
through photosynthesis and accumulation of organic matter in soils, sediments, and plant
biomass.