ACE Comms Team

The Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACECoR) is making waves in marine conservation, driving the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to a prestigious position in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. UCC’s remarkable achievements in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water have positioned the university as Ghana’s top-ranked institution, 3rd in West Africa, and 16th across Africa.

This recognition highlights UCC’s pivotal role in sustainable marine resource management, coastal ecosystem protection, and combating marine pollution, all of which are anchored in ACECoR’s groundbreaking initiatives. The center has become a critical force in addressing major environmental challenges such as unregulated fishing, ocean acidification, and biodiversity preservation, earning UCC global acclaim.

ACECoR’s Key Contributions to Marine Conservation

  1. Establishment of Marine Protected Areas
    One of the center’s most impactful projects is the Coastal and Marine Conservation Drive Project (COMADRIP). This initiative spearheaded the creation of a pilot Marine Protected Area (MPA) management strategy for the Greater Cape Three Points area in Ghana. The project played a crucial role in the designation of a 700 km² MPA, which is set to be officially established in 2026. This protected area will safeguard marine biodiversity, foster sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the long-term health of the coastal ecosystem.
  2. Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project
    In collaboration with the University of Rhode Island and supported by USAID, ACECoR is championing the Women Shell fishers and Food Security Project, which spans 11 West African coastal communities, including Senegal and Nigeria. This project not only promotes gender inclusivity but also strengthens food security by empowering women in shellfish co-management. ACECoR’s leadership in conducting the first regional assessment of women-led shellfish co-management and producing six technical studies from Ghana and The Gambia has elevated the potential for sustainable shellfishery practices across the region.
  3. Community Outreach and Education
    ACECoR’s outreach and education programs are crucial to its success, directly engaging coastal communities to promote sustainable fishing practices. These initiatives empower local populations to take ownership of marine conservation, fostering environmental stewardship at the grassroots level. By instilling a sense of responsibility among those who rely most on marine resources, ACECoR ensures its conservation efforts are sustainable and community driven.
  4. Capacity Building and Training
    ACECoR plays a key role in building the capacity of stakeholders in marine resource management. Through specialized training programs, the center equips fishermen, policymakers, and researchers with the skills needed to manage marine ecosystems sustainably. This emphasis on capacity building is creating a new generation of marine conservation experts, positioning Ghana as a leader in the preservation of coastal and marine environments.
  5. Cutting-Edge Research Informing Policy
    At the heart of ACECoR’s work is its commitment to cutting-edge research that tackles key challenges such as pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable fisheries. This research informs national and regional policy, providing critical evidence-based recommendations to improve marine conservation strategies. The center’s ability to influence policymaking highlights its role in shaping Ghana’s and West Africa’s approach to marine conservation.
ACECoR- Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association, Ghana (NOHA) members undergoing leadership, advocacy and basic water quality monitoring training
ACECoR- Narkwa Oyster Harvesters Association, Ghana (NOHA) members undergoing leadership, advocacy and basic water quality monitoring training

A Continental Leader in Marine Conservation

ACECoR’s efforts have solidified UCC’s status as a trailblazer in marine conservation, not only in Ghana but across Africa. The center’s contributions underscore the powerful role that academic institutions can play in addressing global environmental challenges. By pioneering innovative solutions and fostering sustainable practices, ACECoR is leading the charge toward a more resilient future for coastal and marine ecosystems.

The recognition UCC has received in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is a testament to ACECoR’s transformative work. As the center continues to drive marine conservation efforts, it is helping to shape a future where coastal communities and marine life can thrive in harmony.