Negotiating wetlands: Convivial conservation and collective wetland management in Ada, Ghana

Across the rapidly urbanizing Global South, wetlands continue to experience intense socio-ecological pressures despite their numerous benefits to humans and wildlife. Protecting wetlands and other ecological resources requires a renewed sense of ecological stewardship, especially in endangered regions. This study contributes to this call by (1) analyze the drivers of land-use change and ecological vulnerability of the Ada-Songhor wetland area (2) explore the various conservation practices deployed and how they support livelihoods and wetland protection (3) examine the role of commons-based approaches (i.e. trust, community participation and social cohesion) in mediating the outcome of wetlands governance. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines satellite imagery analysis with stakeholder interviews, the study finds significant spatial transformations over the past three decades, including a 10% loss of vegetation cover and a 15% increase in bare land, largely due to anthropogenic activities. The findings further show that state-community collaborations have been useful in co-producing convivial conservation practices and community-based approaches to safeguard the wetlands. Overall, the study’s findings highlight the socio-ecological and governance complexities of wetlands management and underscore the benefits of collaborative, well-coordinated, and socially attuned management practices for protecting ecologically sensitive areas.