Sekondi, Feb. 4 GNA – Friends of the Nation (FoN), a Non-Governmental Organization, has launched a one-month study of the social and economic benefits of wetlands in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Mr Donkris Mevuta, Executive Director of the organization, said the survey would mainly cover the Essei Lagoon, Whine River and Butuah Lagoon.

He said the data would be collected from residents of 14 fringe communities of the wetlands by about 84-member survey team nominated by the communities.

Mr Mevuta said the survey is to assist the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to enact the necessary bye-laws on wetlands.

He said the National Wetlands Management Strategy requires Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enact byelaws on wetlands in their areas to enhance their wise use.

Mr Mevuta said wetlands are earmarked as resource and conservation areas in the development schemes of STMA but there are no byelaws to back them and this has led to abuse of the wetlands.

He said the Aquatic and Fisheries Faculty of the University of Cape Coast has conducted Rapid Bio-Diversity Assessment of the Whine River and the Essei and Butuah Lagoons.

Mr Mevuta said the Town and Country Planning Department should ensure compliance of the bye-laws when they are enacted.