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Climate change

Climate Resilience for Migratory Birds and People: A Critical Initiative in Ghana

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In Ghana, the Impact of Climate Change on Migratory Waterbirds and Vital Wetland Ecosystems has become a pressing concern. The Climate Resilience for Critical Sites for Migratory Birds and People along the East Atlantic Flyway (IKI-CREAF) project aims to address this issue by strengthening local and institutional capacities for wetland conservation. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and coordinated by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, the project is being implemented in Ghana by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) in collaboration with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IKI-CREAF project is a critical initiative to address the growing threats posed by climate change and human activities to migratory waterbirds and vital wetland ecosystems in Ghana.
  • The project focuses on improving monitoring and data management, strengthening site management plans, reviewing and enhancing national conservation policies, fostering collaboration within the East Atlantic Flyway network, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
  • Five coastal Ramsar sites and one inland wetland in Ghana provide essential stopover and nesting grounds for thousands of migratory birds each year, but their ecological integrity is at risk due to climate change and human pressures.
  • The project aims to protect both migratory waterbirds and the ecosystems that support the livelihoods of thousands of people along the Ghanaian coast by combining research, policy support, and community engagement.
  • The project targets two out of the five coastal Ramsar wetlands in Ghana, including Densu Delta and Songor Ramsar sites.
  • The IKI-CREAF project is a collaborative effort between the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, and the Conflict Resolution Institute of Ghana (CRI-GH), with support from local communities and organizations.

Statistics:

  • Five coastal Ramsar sites and one inland wetland in Ghana provide essential stopover and nesting grounds for thousands of migratory birds each year.
  • Migratory waterbird populations are in decline globally due to habitat loss and poor management of critical sites.
  • The IKI-CREAF project will be implemented in two out of the five coastal Ramsar wetlands in Ghana, including Densu Delta and Songor Ramsar sites.
  • Over 10,000 people depend on these critical wetlands for their livelihoods, including fishermen, farmers, and artisans.

Sources:

  • "Climate Resilience for Critical Sites for Migratory Birds and People along the East Atlantic Flyway (IKI-CREAF)". 2025. Ghana News Agency.
  • German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). (n.d.). "IKI-CREAF Project".
  • Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. (n.d.). "IKI-CREAF Project".

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