Natural Wetlands: Are they Managed Sustainably in Developing Economies? A Case Study on the Iture- Abakam Natural Wetland in Cape Coast, Ghana

AbstractQuantifying the role and benefits of wetlands to environmental security, ecosystem sustenance, and economic development is a very difficult task. Wetlands serve as filters of secondary wastewater by removing most nutrients that cause eutrophication. The plants and microbes in the natural wetland have the potential of breaking down toxic compounds into less toxic forms before they are discharged into streams, rivers, and lakes. Natural wetlands could serve as treatment plants in most developing countries if they are managed sustainably. Unfortunately, most developing countries that lack waste treatment plants have not taken the advantage of available natural wetlands and managed them sustainably. This study investigates sustainable wetland management on the Iture-Abakam Natural Wetland in Cape Coast by considering the management plan available and the threat posed by urbanization. The findings reveal the absence of a management plan and the serious threat posed to the wetland. The study revealed a net wetland loss of 83.2% to residential development between 1991 to 2021. The findings from the water quality analysis show that the wetland is performing poorly in treating wastewater as revealed by the quality and pollution indexes used. The potential of the wetland is high if it is managed sustainably.