UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Songor
General information
Songor Biosphere Reserve is characterized by a unique combination of brackish / estuarine, freshwater and marine ecosystems with mangroves, islands and small patches of community protected forests. The site itself is a closed lagoon that is continually refilled by seepage, runoff, creeks, and streams. It is characterized by high salinity levels and surrounded by mudflats that are inundated for most of the year. It has a total population of 42,150 inhabitants. Reeds, fuel wood, tilapia, crab, and other game are harvested from the site on a mainly subsistence basis while salt is extracted for widespread distribution.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2011
Country
Ghana
Total population
42150
Area
Surface
37,596.15 ha
Total terresterial area
37,596.15 ha
Location
Latitiude: 5.85349 - Longitude: 0.523256
Contact
Ecosystem-based network
AfriMAB
Ecological Characteristics
It consists of a shallow brackish water lagoon (10-50cm) with mudflats, The lower Volta River and its estuary and islands, a broad sandy beach southwards, flood plains with degraded mangroves and coastal savannah vegetation.The lagoon is low-lying. The maximum depth below mean sea level is 50 cm. There is a narrow sand dune along the coast with no cliffs on the smooth coastline.It has a total population of 42, 150 with 150 in the core area (0.3%), 11,500 in the buffer zone (27.3%) and 30,500 in the transition zone (72.4%). The units currently used to facilitate easy management are the lagoonal area, islands, marine area and estuary.Back to Biosphere Reserves in GhanaBack to Biosphere Reserves in AfricaBack to World Network of Biosphere ReservesLast updated: October 2018
Socio-Economics Characteristics