Impact of illegal mining activities on forest ecosystem services: local communities' attitudes and willingness to participate in restoration activities in Ghana
Date of Publication
1-1-2019 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Illegal Mining
Keywords
Illegal mining, forest ecosystem, galamsey
Description
Degradation caused by mining tends to have long-term adverse effects on flora and fauna, often due to the dumping of toxic materials and the severe mutilation of the Earth's crust. This study examines the local communities' perception of the impact of illegal mining on ecosystem services. The perceived impact of galamsey - small-scale mining operated without a license - jeopardizes water availability and quality, which has dire consequences on members of mining communities. Most members are farmers and depend largely on the land for their livelihood, which impacts food security, poverty, crime and migration. Mining communities are aware of the importance of forest ecosystem services and how it affects their general well-being and livelihoods.
Impact of illegal mining activities on forest ecosystem services: local communities' attitudes and willingness to participate in restoration activities in Ghana
Degradation caused by mining tends to have long-term adverse effects on flora and fauna, often due to the dumping of toxic materials and the severe mutilation of the Earth's crust. This study examines the local communities' perception of the impact of illegal mining on ecosystem services. The perceived impact of galamsey - small-scale mining operated without a license - jeopardizes water availability and quality, which has dire consequences on members of mining communities. Most members are farmers and depend largely on the land for their livelihood, which impacts food security, poverty, crime and migration. Mining communities are aware of the importance of forest ecosystem services and how it affects their general well-being and livelihoods.
