Green Oyster Initiative

Conserve, co-restore and promote sustainable consumption of oysters through eco-tourism
SWITCH Africa Green
Biodiversity
Kumasi
Ghana

Oysters are an efficient and sustainable source of food. However, climate change combined with the use of toxic chemicals alter oyster ecosystem opportunities by 70%. This does not only lead to ecological destruction but also decreases job opportunities and income sources in the long run. The enterprises Green Oyster Reserve (GOR) has the goal to promote sustainable conservation, co-restoration and consumption of oyster. GOI consults and engages leaders and youth groups as well as green women corps toward greening oyster ecologies.

Green Oyster Initiative's activities comprise of conservation practices and messages. An eco-pavilion facility serves for immersive scientific and eco-leadership learning. Young people and vulnerable women are involved in canning and exporting fresh oysters to local and global markets as well as processing oyster shells to manufacture environmentally friendly products such as chalks, feeds, ceramics and non-toxic paints. 50 smallholder producers are involved in aquaculture, which will boost production within the next years.

Eco-Inclusive Impacts
Green Oyster Initiative is leading an inclusive, community-based reserve which addresses oyster extinction by conserving local oyster populations, educating about biodiversity and sustainable consumption.
  • Enhancing environmental sustainability by securing the biodiversity of oysters.
  • Recycling 1,250t of oyster shells as a greener substrate for the ceramic industry.
  • Reducing charcoal/firewood consumption of oyster processors up to 85%, translating into 30% regenerated woodlots by 2023.
  • Intensifying intercommunity and youth engagement within oyster-producing communities.
  • Strengthening institutional partnerships of producers as well as traders associations.
  • Capacity-building for 4,500 beneficiaries; reaching over 1.5 million people.
  • Creating green jobs and providing 50 full-time and 250 casual employment opportunities.

 

 

 

Partners

Green Oyster Initiative aims to conserve, co-restore and promote sustainable consumption of oysters by providing scientific eco-tourism services by including a triple-bottom -line.

Oyster Producers and Traders Association mobilises community members to participate, adding value to oyster products for markets, supporting visits of eco-tourists.

South Tongu District Assembly provides government policy consultations on environmental management and conservation.

Ghana Tourism Authority assists in the promotion of eco-tourism.

Potsdam Insititute for Climate Impact Research research collaboration, assessing climate impacts on oyster ecosystems to deepen scientific understanding.