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

The West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA), in partnership with the Centre for Coastal Management - Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, organized a short-term training course on “Marine Litter Monitoring, Assessment and Management,” from April 7^th - 11^th 2025 at the University of Cape Coast. The training brought together environmental professionals dedicated to addressing marine litter pollution in Ghana.

The five-day training covered a structured curriculum expertly delivered by leading specialists in the field. Topics covered included fundamental concepts of marine litter,  macrolitter monitoring and assessment including the application of drone technology as well as microplastic sampling, extraction and imaging using the facilities and equipment at the Centre’s microplastic laboratory.

The programme extended beyond scientific monitoring to encompass policy dimensions which gave participants insights into marine litter policy formulation, marine litter policies and interventions and the circular economy principles for marine litter management. This multidisciplinary approach ensured that participants gained knowledge across the full spectrum of marine litter management, from identification and monitoring to policy development and sustainable solutions.

Participants also engaged in valuable hands-on activities throughout the programme, including practical shoreline surveys,  group exercises and presentations. These practical activities allowed attendees to plan,  implement and analyze their findings from marine litter monitoring in collaborative sessions.

The training has successfully expanded the network of skilled professionals equipped to address marine pollution challenges in Ghana.  Through this initiative, the WACA program and CCM-ACECoR have reinforced their commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them with participants returning to their respective roles with enhanced expertise and renewed dedication to marine environmental stewardship.