UCC, UG partner Portsmouth University to tackle climate change impact on coastal lagoons

The University of Cape Coast, the University of Ghana and the School of Engineering and Surveying at the University of Portsmouth have stepped up the fight to negate the impact of climate change on coastal lagoons in Ghana.

The one year research that ends in July, 2016 is expected to be followed by strategies to help reduce the pollution in the Coastal lagoons and also address other vulnerabilities of the lagoons in Ghana.

Speaking at a presentation seminar at the University of Cape Coast, a senior research fellow at the University of Portsmouth, Isaac Boateng intimated how the coastal lagoons in Ghana have been heavily polluted.

“Upon a thorough research, the conclusion is that Coastal lagoons in Ghana are highly polluted.The areas that have very high vulnerability are around estuaries and lagoon ecosystems which provide many services including, economic, social, health and natural environment,” he said.

Not only did Isaac Boateng and his colleagues from the University of Portsmouth discuss the issues of pollution but also adaptation strategies to manage the lagoons against the effect of climate change.

“It was identified that about 50% of the coastline of Ghana is, either high or very high vulnerable to sea level rise, while the other 50% is low or moderately vulnerable to sea level rise. The coastal lagoons play very significant roles such that if they are not given the needed attention, humanity will suffer,” he offers.

Isaac Boateng stressed the significance of the lagoons that requires the effort of all to save them from extinction.

“Coastal lagoons provide an important ecosystem services including fisheries, supporting of biodiver habitat roosting, nesting and feeding grounds for many species of birds, recreation (Beach and water activities) as a well flood and storm assimilation”.

Strongly supporting the research and the strategies to provide solutions to the innumerable challenges thereon are the Department of Geography and Regional planning at the University of Cape Coast and the University of Ghana.