In the small fishing community of Salo near Keta in Ghana’s Volta Region, tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. Locals rely on mangroves not only for fishing but also as a vital source of firewood—used for cooking, smoking fish, and earning income. Customers travel from across Ghana to buy this prized firewood.
But there’s more to the story. Recognizing the environmental impact, the government and partner agencies have stepped in to support mangrove replanting. Each tree takes nearly ten years to mature, making this effort a long-term investment in both ecology and economy. Salo’s approach is a remarkable example of how communities can balance livelihood with environmental stewardship.