Lack of spatial planning threat to biodiversity conservation

A collaborative study by Vision World Network and the Western Regional Coastal Foundation in the Western Region has revealed that about 2,334 acres of land have been earmarked as free zones enclave in Shama alone pending development.

Out of this figure, about 730 acres are Bio-diversified areas consisting of wetlands full of mangrove trees, Marshes and others, which are sources of community livelihood and carbon sink.

Also, in Ahanta West and Jomoro alone, about 3,021-hectare land area representing 29% of existing natural areas have so far been cleared by companies working along the value chain of hydrocarbon including estate developers.

Mr. Francis Adarkwah, the founder of Vision World Network told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that these activities had adverse effects on the climatic conditions of the country if not checked and controlled with proper spatial planning activities.

The research was funded by the BUSAC fund.

He said their study discovered that Water resources such as Perinkles, crabs and other freshwater fishes including some crustacean species were declining adding, "The situation is worsening climate change effect and affecting livelihood."

The Founder of Vision World Network, lead NGO in the Research, therefore, advocated for swift regulatory actions to stem the wanton development without recourse to proper spatial planning to a halt.

Already, the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act of 2016 mandates the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to regulate land use and development in the country but such a whip was yet to be cracked or felt by many developers who sometimes develop without authorization of local government officials.

Meanwhile, the Land use and Spatial Planning Act 2016 sought to ensure that there was judicious use of land for sustainable human settlement and environmental protection.

The Act also enjoined any developer to secure requisite permit for any activity including greening plot areas marked for building purposes and also the protection of Bio-diversified areas.

Mr. Adarkwah was saddened that some chiefs, family heads, and landowners continued to drive land use and acquisition decision with disregard to the Land use and Spatial Planning Act 2016.

He said, "These practice is affecting some areas of rich biodiversity and critical habitats for endangered wildlife since their habitat are being destroyed through the unplanned and massive sale of land."

The Founder of Vision World Network added that it was worrying to note that in the communities of study, Large tracts of important areas such as wetlands, Bamboo growing spots and sacred groves, which can generate income for the community and the assembly through tourism and other Bio-diversified had been given out for development.

Mr. Adarkwah giving a historical antecedent of the Region said, Western Region was known as the food basket of Ghana and for the cultivation and production industries and food crops such as rubber, cocoa, and oil palm.

To him, the oil discovery and exploration along the coastal districts was fast accelerating the conversion of Significantly Bio-diversified Areas (SGAs) such as sacred groves, wetlands, patches of secondary forest and trees to warehouses, off-shore base, offices and other infrastructure but such places provided medicinal plants and ecosystem services to communities.

He said Wetlands, which serve as breeding grounds for fishes, Perinkles and provide great volumes of food that attract many animal species include aquatic insects, shellfishes, birds, reptiles and other mammals are also being sold and cleared for different uses.

"These rich ecosystems services serve a vital function in the environment and provide significant ecological and socio-economic values and functions for communities along the coast; serving as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change effect and others."

Per their Research, he indicated that within the last 8 years, an estimated 27,000 acres of land full of different species of trees and Bamboos which provide livelihood and serves as good carbon sink including modification of the micro-climate has been lost to oil-related infrastructure development.

"The micro-climate has also been affected as farmer groups in communities such as Cape 3 point, Krisan, Old and New Bakanta, old Kablenzuaso and others have reported livelihood threats. These consequences are exacerbated by climate change impact which is a global challenge. ", he added.

Mr. Adarkwah, therefore, noted the need for the enforcement of the Land use and Spatial Planning Act 2016 to drive land use decision across the six coastal districts of the Western region in the context of oil find to avoid any emerging upheaval between the communities and developers as well as save the environment from destruction.