The Wetlands Operations Manager-WD/Co Chair, Mangrove Project Platform, Mr Dickson Agyeman, has stated that they will arrest persons who win sand illegally at Ramsar sites in the country.
According to him, the law has given them the power to arrest those who win sand without permit.
He gave the warning while observing the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
Ghana has wetlands and some Ramsar sites. A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated of international importance for migratory animal life, especially birds, under the Ramsar Convention.
These are mainly along the coastal regions with just one in the interior region.
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Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Abena Dufie while observing the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, he said those who use DDT for fishing will also be arrested.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated every year on 26 July, and aims to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
This International Day was adopted by the General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015.
Meanwhile, he said the Wetlands Operations and the Mangrove Project Platform will sensitise and educate people on the need to preserve and protect mangrove.
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For her part, Mrs Jewel Kudjawu, Acting Director for Natural Resources and EPA Member, Mangrove platform noted that there were economic and ecological benefits of mangrove.
She said the fish mongers use for the product for firewood while others, she said use it for building.
Advocacy
Mrs Jewel Kudjawu said the EPA and the Wildlife Division and Marine and Coastal Development Division also does advocacies, adding that they will intensify it by starting in schools.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori