Mangrove ecosystems mapping in parts of Ghana and The Gambia for sustainable regeneration and utilization

This study mapped mangrove vegetation and associated land use land cover types in Ghana and The Gambia using remote sensing and participatory geographic information system (PGIS) techniques. These coastal ecosystems are vital for shellfishery activities, yet mangrove loss threatens biodiversity, ecosystem functionality, and local livelihoods. Findings indicate that mangroves in Ghana are increasingly fragmented and declining, whereas in The Gambia, they remain extensive and stable, with distinct zonation of Rhizophora and Avicennia species. PGIS data highlight differences in how communities value mangrove species, shaping their management strategies. In Ghana, Avicennia species—more abundant in study sites—are primarily used for fuelwood and fish trap construction. Meanwhile, Rhizophora species dominate The Gambia’s sites, offering better oyster attachment due to their root structures, making them particularly valuable to shellfishing communities. Integrated findings from remote sensing and PGIS identified several drivers of mangrove degradation, including mangrove dieback, illegal harvesting, soil salinity, land-use changes, waste dumping, pollution, and climate change. Key lessons for sustainable mangrove co-management include implementing context-specific interventions that align with community livelihood needs, raising awareness, strengthening capacity-building efforts for conservation and restoration, and promoting livelihood diversification. Additionally, fostering an enabling policy environment—through strengthened co-management frameworks, improved governance, and enforcement mechanisms—will be crucial for sustainable mangrove conservation. This study underscores the value of integrated resource mapping and stakeholder engagement in validating results, ensuring that both users and managers actively participate in the conservation process.

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