Climate Resilience for Critical Sites for Migratory Birds and People Along the East Atlantic Flyway (IKI-CREAF)

The IKI-CREAF project is a key international conservation initiative aimed at enhancing climate resilience for migratory waterbirds and the wetlands they depend on along the East Atlantic Flyway. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), the project is coordinated by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat as consortium lead.

In Ghana, the project is implemented by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) in partnership with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.

As climate change intensifies, migratory waterbirds who travel thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds face increasing challenges. These species rely on healthy wetlands as stopovers along their journey. In Ghana, critical wetland habitats are threatened by human activity and environmental change, putting both biodiversity and local livelihoods at risk.

IKI-CREAF addresses these threats by strengthening monitoring systems, supporting effective site management, advancing national conservation policies, and promoting sustainable livelihoods while engaging local communities meaningfully in conservation efforts.

Project Objectives:

• Build local capacity for effective monitoring and data management of wetland ecosystems.
• Support and strengthen site management plans for the selected Ramsar sites.
• Review and strengthen national conservation policies to better protect migratory species.
• Enhance engagement within the East Atlantic Flyway Network through regional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
• Promote sustainable livelihoods to improve resilience and reduce human pressures on wetland habitats.

Implementing Partners:

• CBCR
• Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission
• Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (Consortium Lead)

Funding Partner:

German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV)

Starting Date: April 2025

Ending Date: December 2025

Project Location in Ghana:

• Densu Delta Ramsar Site
• Songor Ramsar Site