Sand Winning and Erosion
A major cause of erosion along the coastal areas in Ghana is sand mining. The extraction of sand, mainly through an open pit but most at times mined from beaches is a direct cause of erosion. The increased mining of sand at an alarming rate for construction purposes exposes the local wildlife and land to the sea and this lead to severe sea erosion whenever the water level in the sea rises, flood and loss of soil fertility among others.
Sand mining is there a practice which has become a global environmental issue for which much education and awareness is needed to help solve the problem.
Mankind’s abusive behavior over the last years has caused tremendous damage to the earth’s topsoil resulting in vast land degradation such as erosion, deforestation, water-logging and a decline in soil fertility. Land degradation has become a critical global issue because of its harmful effects on agricultural productivity, the ecosystem, as well as its impact on food security along with the quality of everyday life. It is our hope that by providing education on soil conservation, erosion and the adverse effect it poses to the environment the people will change their ways of doing things so we can safeguard and protect the environment
“Sand winning strips the earth of its natural defenses, leaving communities exposed to the relentless force of erosion.”
tips to help prevent sand winning and erosion:
- Enforce Regulations
- Promote Sustainable Alternatives
- Vegetation and Tree Planting
- Erosion Control Structures
- Public Awareness Campaigns
Why the need to preventing sand winning and erosion:
Preventing sand winning and erosion is essential to protect the environment, preserve soil and land, and ensure the stability of coastal and river ecosystems. Sand winning destroys habitats and accelerates erosion, leading to land degradation and loss of biodiversity. It also increases the risk of flooding by weakening natural defenses along coastlines and riverbanks, making communities more vulnerable to storms and rising sea levels. Additionally, sand extraction alters water bodies, disrupts agriculture, and harms industries like tourism and fishing that rely on healthy ecosystems. By preventing sand winning and erosion, we can protect the natural beauty of beaches, sustain economic livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.
