IPSI Case Study Summary Sheet
Basic Information
Title of case study
Submitting IPSI member organization
Other contributing organization
Author(s) and affiliation(s)Format of case study
Keywords
Date of submission
Web link

Safeguarding the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site(KLCRS) for Sustained Socio-ecological Benefits
Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science(IR3S), The University of Tokyo
Yaw Agyeman Boafo, Integrated Research System for
Sustainability Science (IR3S), The University of Tokyo
Manuscript
Language
EnglishLagoons, Keta, Erosion, Flooding, Coastal
June 28, 2018-Geographical Information
CountryGhanaLocation
Volta region
Longitude/latitude or Google Maps link
https://goo.gl/maps/cYJnQaq1wB82
Ecosystem(s)ForestGrassland
AgriculturalIn-land waterx
Coastal x
DrylandMountain
Urban/peri-urban
Other
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area (within 50 words)
The KLCRS is within the equatorial climate with an annual rainfall of less than 1,000mm. It is one
the driest along the coast of Ghana. Mangrove and swamps the KLCRS are the sources of many fishand other sea depending species. The Keta Lagoon has for long been noted for its rich coastal andmarine biodiversity.
Description of human-nature interactions in the area
Crop farming is one of the most important socioeconomic values of provided by the KCLRS forcommunities and households in the area. The area is noted for being the foremost shallot (Alliumcepa var. aggregatum) growing area in Ghana

Contents
StatusCompletedPeriod
2018
Rationale
All over the world, coastlines are changing as a result of sea erosion among other human andnature-induced phenomenon. The Keta lagoon coastlines one of the most severe andinternationally known areas hit by sea erosion
Objectives
This case study aims to highlight and create awareness of the social, ecological and economic
benefits and opportunities as well as the human and natured-induced threats and challenges facing
the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site (KLCRS).
Activities and/or practices employed
Based on field observations, interviews with community members and relevant stakeholders as wellas literature review, the study further examines the extent to which public and private sector led
intervention and initiatives towards safeguarding the Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site.
Results1The threat of sea erosion and ecological resource degradation are major concern to household andcommunities. Flooding has led to the loss of a greater proportion of the residential and public
infrastructure and road linking Keta.
Lessons learned
Disagreements and disputes over access and methods for extraction of natural resources provided
by the lagoon are noted in this socio-ecological production landscape. Also, ignorance of local
communities concerning natural resource extraction causes degradation and destruction of lagoon
wildlife including mammal, reptile and amphibian species.
Key messages
The KLCRS is expected to be directly or indirectly impacted by sea level rise, storm surges,
temperature and precipitation changes in the future These will likely affect the physical structure,
ecological properties and the social values associated with it.
Relationship to other IPSI activities
Funding
International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) Secretariat, Tokyo

Contributions to Global Agendas
The table below shows based on the self-evaluation by author(s).  and  indicates the “direct” or “indirect”
contributions to the following global agendas respectively to which the work described in this case study contributes
to.

CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets (https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/)
Strategic Goal A
Strategic Goal BStrategic Goal CStrategic Goal DStrategic Goal E

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs)
2