INTRODUCTION
BlueShore is GROW-GREEN’s coastal community programme that addresses the growing threats of marine plastic pollution, unsafe fishing practices, and coastal erosion along Ghana’s coastline. Millions of Ghanaians rely on coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods, but many coastal areas are now facing serious environmental challenges.
BlueShore brings together fishing community members, coastal youth, and local leaders through community awareness workshops, volunteer beach cleanup activities, and the training of community coastal stewards—local champions who will continue conservation efforts after the programme ends.
The programme is scheduled for September, a strategic time when coastal communities are preparing for the major fishing season. This makes it the ideal period to promote sustainable fishing practices and environmental protection as part of regular community activities. 🌊
WHO CAN ATTEND
This programme is open to:
- Fishing community members of all ages
- Coastal youth groups and community associations
- Senior High School (SHS) students in coastal schools
- Local government officials
- Members of the public who wish to volunteer for the beach cleanup campaign
No prior knowledge or qualifications are required. Every participant is valued, and everyone is welcome to join regardless of community affiliation.
TARGET AUDIENCE
BlueShore focuses on coastal communities in the following regions:
- Greater Accra Region (Tema, La, Teshie)
- Central Region (Elmina, Cape Coast)
- Western Region (Takoradi, Axim)
Communities will be selected in partnership with the Coastal Development Authority and EPA Ghana to ensure the programme aligns with existing coastal management plans and reaches communities that need support the most.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Participants in this programme can expect:
- Community awareness workshops covering:
- Understanding marine ecosystems—what they are and why they are important for livelihoods and the environment
- How plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change are affecting coastal communities in Ghana
- Practical actions communities can take, including sustainable fishing practices, plastic waste reduction, and basic coastal monitoring
- A community-led beach and waterway cleanup campaign, with all safety gloves, waste bags, and collection equipment provided by GROW-GREEN
- Distribution of the BlueShore Community Guide, an easy-to-understand, illustrated resource that explains sustainable fishing methods, ways to reduce plastic waste, and simple signs to monitor coastal ecosystem health. The guide will be available in local languages 🌊
