Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience |  University of Cape Coast

The Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) ACECoR, University of Cape Coast had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces for an insightful session on coastal security, environmental management, and the blue economy on November 17, 2025,

The visit formed part of the military’s continuous professional development, aimed at deepening understanding of emerging environmental challenges and their implications for Illegal Minning.

During the engagement, ACECoR leadership provided an overview of the Centre’s history, mandate, and regional impact, highlighting its applied research, community outreach, and capacity building programs that support sustainable coastal development across West and Central Africa. Presentations were done which explored pressing issues, including coastal degradation, climate risks, the impacts of illegal small scale mining on rivers and marine ecosystems, and the socioeconomic drivers of natural resource exploitation.

A key highlight of the session was the interactive Q&A segment, where participants engaged directly with ACECoR experts. Discussions addressed the importance of maintaining marine biodiversity as a foundation for fisheries and livelihoods, the long term consequences of environmental degradation, and how scientific research can inform both policy and national security strategies. Experts emphasized the challenges posed by insufficient research funding, the need for innovative approaches such as using microorganisms and other materials to remediate environmental pollutants, and the urgency of translating research into practical solutions.