Integrated assessment of changes in wetland types in The Songor Biosphere Reserve, Ghana
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Issue Date
2019
Editor
Authors
Adade, Richard
Aheto, Denis Worlanyo
Agyeman, Dickson Yaw
License
Subject
Abstract
The Songor wetlands form an ecologically valuable resource in Ghana, providing numerous sup-port for biological diversity. Despite its relevance, studies have shown that overexploitation due to developmental activities and overdependence on their values for livelihood pose a threat to the existence of the wetlands. This study investigated long-term changes that have occurred as a result of human activities in the area over a 25 year period (1990-2015). Landsat TM and ETM+ and OLI/TIRS images were used to categorize and quantify the changes in the various wetland types. Local perceptions of the riparian population on the historical changes and drivers for the changes were also sought to complement the assessment. The study revealed that, lagoon/lake and inter-tidal forested wetland experienced increase in spatial extent while seasonal/intermittent and permanent marshes experienced a decrease over the 25 year period. Among the various land use activities undertaken in the Ramsar site agriculture was seen to have greatest impact on biodiversity conservation through truncation of streams in up-land areas for fish and crop production. The study strongly recommends that various stakeholders should be involved in the management of the Songor Ramsar site and the regulator should institute stringent monitoring of the wetland due to the constant anthropogenic pressure.