In a significant boost for community-led marine conservation in Ghana, the Densu Oyster Pickers Association (DOPA) has donated mangrove seedlings to the Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association (NOHA) to support habitat restoration and advance co-management of oyster resources in the Narkwa Lagoon. The donation reflects a deepening partnership between the two women-led associations, united by a common goal of promoting sustainable shellfisheries and protecting vital coastal ecosystems.

As a more experienced organisation, DOPA has long been active in the Densu Delta, where it has pioneered best practices in oyster harvesting and environmental stewardship. Its support to NOHA is intended to share knowledge, build local capacity, and foster collaboration for the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s oyster fisheries.

DOPA emphasised that the initiative represents more than just a donation of seedlings. It is seen as an investment in shared learning and community resilience, underlining the belief that sustainability in oyster harvesting can only be achieved through cooperation, ecosystem protection, and support for local livelihoods.

Mangroves, which serve as breeding and nursery grounds for a wide range of aquatic species including oysters, are central to these efforts. The seedlings provided by DOPA will bolster NOHA’s ongoing efforts to replant mangrove stands along the Narkwa Lagoon, helping to restore a critical habitat that supports both biodiversity and fisheries productivity.

For NOHA, the donation has provided both practical support and encouragement. The association acknowledged that the gesture reaffirmed their place in a growing network of community-based conservation actors. It was seen as validation of their work and a motivation to continue engaging in habitat restoration and sustainable fisheries management, with the added benefit of learning from DOPA’s experience.

The collaboration between DOPA and NOHA stands as a compelling example of how peer-to-peer mentorship and local leadership can drive progress in fisheries co-management. Their actions also resonate with broader global goals to restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and improve the wellbeing of coastal communities.