"This partnership is rooted in equity, community ownership, and long-term impact” — Jad Daley

The President of Terraformation Inc., Jad Daley, has provided deeper insight into the vision driving the company’s landmark collaboration with Ghana’s Forestry Commission to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems in the Keta Lagoon.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Daley underscored that the partnership is deliberately structured to prioritise people, sustainability, and shared value.

“This partnership is rooted in equity, community ownership, and long-term impact,” he emphasised.

Mr. Daley explained that Terraformation’s model places local communities at the centre of restoration efforts, ensuring they are actively involved in decision-making, implementation, and long-term stewardship of the mangrove ecosystems.

According to him, this inclusive approach not only strengthens accountability but also guarantees sustainability, as community members develop a direct stake in protecting and managing restored landscapes.

Beyond ecological restoration, Mr. Daley highlighted the project’s strong economic focus, noting that it is already creating jobs across the value chain from seed collection and nursery development to planting and monitoring.

He added that the initiative is also promoting alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture and other nature-based enterprises to improve incomes and reduce overdependence on fragile coastal resources.

“It is not just about how much we do, but how we do it together,” he noted, stressing the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility.

Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh Brown, described the partnership as a critical step toward addressing Ghana’s forest degradation challenges while strengthening sustainable resource management.

He noted that the Commission’s technical expertise, combined with Terraformation’s global experience, will significantly enhance restoration outcomes and ensure long-term impact.

Chairman of the Forestry Commission Board, Isaac Essien, also welcomed the collaboration, describing it as timely and strategic.

“One of the key challenges we face is the degradation of our forests. With an institution like Terraformation bringing its expertise on board, we are confident that together we can restore and sustainably manage our forest resources,” he stated.

Mr. Daley further highlighted that the Keta Lagoon initiative ranks among the largest mangrove restoration projects globally, with far-reaching environmental and socio-economic benefits.

He emphasised that restoring mangroves will help curb coastal erosion, reduce flooding, and enhance climate resilience for vulnerable communities, positioning the project as a key nature-based solution in the fight against climate change.

Pathway to scale

Mr. Daley expressed optimism that the partnership will serve as a model for expanding restoration efforts across other degraded landscapes in Ghana, reinforcing the country’s leadership in innovative climate solutions.

The collaboration ultimately reflects a shared commitment between Terraformation and the Forestry Commission to deliver measurable environmental impact while improving livelihoods ensuring that restoration efforts are both sustainable and inclusive.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith