For the Ghana Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), Dr. Patrick Nii Lante Lamptey, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, is in charge of an innovative research project. The goal is to determine whether tracking and reducing erosion at Keta Lagoon and Cape Coast is feasible with Digital Earth Africa's Coastline Monitoring Service.
The true price of erosion
According to Dr. Lamptey, Ghana's eastern and central beaches experience severe erosion, which has far-reaching effects such as loss of livelihood, environmental damage, and public health issues.
While agricultural cultivation has suffered from soil degradation, fishing communities have been especially impacted since their activities are disrupted by the silting of the Keta Lagoon and the destruction of mangroves. Tidal waves and retreating shorelines pose a threat to tourism on the Cape Coast, destroying infrastructure and natural landmarks.
The effects on the environment are as dire, including increased susceptibility to climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity destruction. Furthermore, coastal erosion has raised major health concerns since groundwater quality is impacted by saltwater intrusion, which causes problems with sanitation and hygiene in impacted communities.
According to Dr. Lamptey, Ghana's eastern and central beaches experience severe erosion, which has far-reaching effects such as loss of livelihood, environmental damage, and public health issues.
While agricultural cultivation has suffered from soil degradation, fishing communities have been especially impacted since their activities are disrupted by the silting of the Keta Lagoon and the destruction of mangroves. Tidal waves and retreating shorelines pose a threat to tourism on the Cape Coast, destroying infrastructure and natural landmarks.
The effects on the environment are as dire, including increased susceptibility to climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity destruction. Furthermore, coastal erosion has raised major health concerns since groundwater quality is impacted by saltwater intrusion, which causes problems with sanitation and hygiene in impacted communities.
Dr. Lamptey notes, "Vulnerable communities living on the coastline and around the Keta lagoon bear a very real cost for these effects." "Due to ongoing food insecurity, declining livelihoods, and possible health issues, people are forced to make difficult decisions between relocation and displacement."
Digital Earth Africa's innovations in coastline monitoring
Strong instruments are needed to address the large-scale nature of coastal erosion. Researchers like Dr. Lamptey can effectively analyze large datasets thanks to Digital Earth Africa's platform and services, which use Open Data Cube technology to provide high-performance computation and historical to near-current satellite data.
Digital Earth Africa's innovations in coastline monitoring
Strong instruments are needed to address the large-scale nature of coastal erosion. Researchers like Dr. Lamptey can effectively analyze large datasets thanks to Digital Earth Africa's platform and services, which use Open Data Cube technology to provide high-performance computation and historical to near-current satellite data.
Dr. Lamptey is assessing the efficacy of sea defense mechanisms, identifying erosion hotspots, and creating an early-warning system for at-risk populations to comprehend and lessen the impact of erosion by more precisely mapping shoreline changes over time. “Our tools offer unparalleled capabilities for processing and visualizing large volumes of satellite imagery,” says Dr. Lisa-Maria Rebelo, Acting Managing Director and Lead Scientist at Digital Earth Africa. “This analysis-ready data enables researchers to focus on actionable insights rather than spending extensive time on data handling. We also foster local capacity by providing institutions and researchers with the knowledge and resources to use this technology, promoting resilience and proactive management of coastal ecosystems.” Creating essential tools for government agencies
The study has provided important new information about Ghana's coastal erosion processes through satellite-based shoreline mapping, with broad implications. The study backs the development of a near real-time coastal erosion monitoring system, which will be an invaluable tool for Ghanaian government organizations like the Ministries of Environment and Housing, Fisheries Commission, and National Disaster Management Organization. strategy planners will also include this work into Ghana's Marine Spatial Plan and Integrated Coastal Zone Management strategy.
Local NGOs working on marine conservation and mangrove restoration will also benefit from the project. These organizations can enhance conservation efforts and carry out focused interventions thanks to the technologies.
"This partnership demonstrates how earth observation data can be used to protect lives and strengthen environmental resilience," Dr. Lisa-Maria Rebelo continued.
Local NGOs working on marine conservation and mangrove restoration will also benefit from the project. These organizations can enhance conservation efforts and carry out focused interventions thanks to the technologies.
"This partnership demonstrates how earth observation data can be used to protect lives and strengthen environmental resilience," Dr. Lisa-Maria Rebelo continued.
Providing early warnings to decision-makers
The creation of a specialized coastline monitoring program that offers early alerts of possible erosion concerns is one of the research's main long-term effects. Decision-makers will be able to take prompt action, put preventative measures in place, and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities that are at risk thanks to this technology.
"As a researcher, I believe that the tools provided by Digital Earth Africa have significantly changed the way we can track and examine coastal erosion in Ghana, increasing the effectiveness and economy of our work," Dr. Lamptey says. "Geospatial analysis and satellite technology will be essential in Ghana's ongoing efforts to prevent coastal erosion and protect livelihoods and the environment."
Africa's Digital Earth
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At Akenten Appiah Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Dr. Patrick Nii Lante Lamptey teaches environmental health and sanitation education. He has experience with GIS and remote sensing in water resources management, and he is enthusiastic in using geospatial tools to promote environmental sustainability.
Pictures and Corresponding data
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11852-022-00893-0 is the research link.
The creation of a specialized coastline monitoring program that offers early alerts of possible erosion concerns is one of the research's main long-term effects. Decision-makers will be able to take prompt action, put preventative measures in place, and strengthen the resilience of coastal communities that are at risk thanks to this technology.
"As a researcher, I believe that the tools provided by Digital Earth Africa have significantly changed the way we can track and examine coastal erosion in Ghana, increasing the effectiveness and economy of our work," Dr. Lamptey says. "Geospatial analysis and satellite technology will be essential in Ghana's ongoing efforts to prevent coastal erosion and protect livelihoods and the environment."
Africa's Digital Earth
Concerning Dr. Lamptey
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Pictures and Corresponding data
