Assessment of Preferred Ecological Restoration Approach through Stakeholders’ Attitude in Ghana. (A Case Study in Adubriem Village in Ashanti Bekwai)

Abstract

Restoring disturbed abandoned mine lands form an integral part of a mining process. Recognized mining entities are tracked by stakeholders on their restoration activities unlike illegal miners who destroy lands and create burdens for the government. The extent to which ecosystems have been destroyed in Ghana has pressured government to bear the cost of restoration. This research looks at preferred approaches government can use to restore abandoned mine sites. The research used a stakeholder analysis and questionnaires to analyze opinions and preferences towards ecological restoration. The approaches included government-based restoration, community based and payment for ecosystem services (PES). From the research community members preferred community based ecological restoration to the others. The research showed that members either agreed or strongly agreed community mining was an effective way of solving the issue of illegal mining. The research also showed community members believed community mining was a collective effort to protect the environment Keywords: Ecological restoration, illegal mining, government-based restoration, community mining, Payment for ecosystem services (PES) DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-24-01 Publication date: December 31 st 2020