Accra: The Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) has initiated a series of stakeholder engagements with communities and policymakers to tackle the recurring impacts of the Bagre Dam spillage and other climate-related challenges along the Volta Basin. These initiatives are part of the Adaptation and Vulnerability - Strengthening Trans-disciplinary Engagement for Climate Resistance (AV-STEC) project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initial meetings congregated representatives from affected communities to address concerns over the annual flooding caused by the Bagre Dam spillage. Community members emphasized the destruction of farmlands, household displacements, and the disruption of livelihoods, while also highlighting extreme drought conditions during the dry season. The goal of these engagements was to identify locally suitable climate mitigation and adaptation strategies to aid communities in managing recurring floods and associated climate risks more effectively.
The CBCR also engaged with policymakers and government institutions within the selected districts. Participants included District and Municipal Chief Executives, agricultural officers, district police commanders, and other relevant state agencies. The discussions centered on policy and implementation gaps, coordination challenges, and practical solutions to reduce community vulnerability to climate shocks. There was unanimous agreement among stakeholders on the urgency and significance of the AV-STEC project, considering it crucial for strengthening climate resilience and enhancing preparedness among affected communities.
All stakeholders expressed their commitment to supporting the project, offering their expertise and resources as needed. The AV-STEC project is being executed by the CBCR in Ghana and Naturama in Burkina Faso, in collaboration with York University in Canada and START International in the United States. It aims to build climate resilience for vulnerable communities along the Volta Basin through trans-disciplinary engagement, collaboration, and evidence-based interventions. The project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) initiative.