FC, TERRAFORMATION SIGN LANDMARK DEAL TO RESTORE KETA LAGOON MANGROVES

FC, TERRAFORMATION SIGN LANDMARK DEAL TO RESTORE KETA LAGOON MANGROVES

The Forestry Commission, (FC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Terraformation Inc., a global leader in native, biodiverse reforestation, to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems within the Keta Lagoon area.

The partnership agreement marks a significant step toward advancing Ghana’s national landscape restoration agenda, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and inclusive economic development. It reflects a shared commitment to scaling locally led restoration initiatives that not only rehabilitate degraded environments but also deliver tangible social and economic benefits to communities.

Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to support job creation, strengthen livelihoods, and advance broader social goals, particularly for coastal communities whose survival depends heavily on the health of mangrove ecosystems.

Terraformation, a company dedicated to scaling community-driven, biodiverse reforestation, brings to the partnership its expertise in training, technology, and access to financing. Its approach focuses on empowering local stakeholders to lead restoration efforts while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Company has been actively working in the Keta Lagoon region since 2021, collaborating with project implementation partners, landowners, and surrounding communities. These efforts have centered on developing nature-based solutions that enhance biodiversity, support conservation, and create climate-resilient livelihood opportunities tailored to local needs.

The Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, Mr. Isaac Essien Esq., expressed his delight at the formalisation of the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention in addressing Ghana’s forest degradation challenges.

“One of the key challenges we face is the degradation of our forests. With an institution like Terraformation bringing its expertise on board, we are confident that together we can strengthen efforts to restore and sustainably manage our forest resources,” he stated.

The President of Terraformation, Jad Daley, conveyed his profound appreciation to the Forestry Commission for the opportunity to collaborate. He emphasised that the partnership is rooted in equity, community ownership, and long-term impact.

According to him, Terraformation is working closely with local communities to build just and inclusive partnerships that go beyond tree planting. These include creating employment opportunities, supporting alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture, and delivering broader economic benefits that reach all segments of participating communities.

“We believe that together, we are already demonstrating how innovative and purpose-driven collaboration, anchored by the leadership and capacity of the Forestry Commission can achieve high quality forest restoration at an unprecedented scale and speed. It is not just about how much we do, but how we do it together,” he noted.

He further highlighted that although the Keta Lagoon initiative is one of the largest mangrove restoration projects globally, its true significance lies in its impact. Mangrove restoration plays a critical role in reducing coastal flooding and erosion while strengthening long-term resilience for vulnerable coastal communities. As such, the project serves as a powerful nature-based solution in the fight against climate change.

Mr. Daley also expressed optimism that the newly signed agreement will create a pathway for scaling this globally significant restoration effort and extend similar interventions to other degraded landscapes across Ghana.

As part of the engagement, a detailed presentation was delivered by Damien Khun on behalf of Terraformation, outlining the Company’s mission, guiding principles, achievements, and strategic priorities. He emphasised the Organisation’s commitment to building partnerships that are not only effective but enduring, noting that their goal is to “build right and build to last” across all their global initiatives.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Forestry Commission will provide a range of technical and institutional services in support of the Keta Blue Carbon Project. These include bird monitoring, seedling production and distribution, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and supervision, participation in monitoring training, and the provision of data collection equipment.

Additionally, the Commission will support the development of Hotspot Intervention Areas (HIA) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), contribute to Conference of Parties (COP) participation and joint outreach activities, and facilitate local implementation through the Keta Lagoon Coastal Resource Centre Secretariat (KLCRS) office in Anloga.

The partnership agreement was formally signed by the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown and the President of Terraformation, Jad Daley.

The signing ceremony, held at the Forestry Commission headquarters highlighted Ghana’s continued leadership in championing innovative climate solutions that deliver measurable benefits for both people and the environment.