Introduction

Who We Are

Small Hype is a creative studio built on very little hype. Our aim is to help build brands, curate new experiences and spearhead very impactful campaigns.

More than anything, we are a collective interested in spreading and developing methods that encourage the wise use of green spaces.

At the moment our focus has been on the conservation of wetlands in Ghana, more specifically, the Sakumono Ramsar site.
Nana Opoku

Project Overview

The Sakumono Ramsar Site

The Sakumono Wetland is situated north of the coastal road between the cities of Accra and Tema.

This wetland used to be a habitat for a diverse body of fish, birds and served as a stopover for migrant birds. It often served as a space for birdwatchers from all over the world as well as a potent site for research on biodiversity and other ecological studies.

Ramsar Site

The Sakumono Ramsar Site, as the name suggests, is a wetland under the Ramsar Convention. This means it is an internationally recognized wetland protected by United Nations subsidiary – Ramsar Convention.

What We Want To Do

The Problem

Presently, the Sakumono Lagoon, is facing a slew of very bad conditions. The housing developments in the immediate vicinity of the lagoon are at risk just from the consequences of the severe pollution from sewage and other domestic waste, coagulation of plastics on the wetlands and the constant burning of the wetland plains.

Restoration & Conservation

We Have Decided to, together, rebuild and replant rainforests all over the world. Focusing and using the Tema, Sakumono Lagoon in Ghana as the first site to revive. We will effectively restore the ecological character of this wetland, get rid of the plastic waste, increase biodiversity, and carve out an educational attraction focused on nature and animal life. Doing this will provide cleaner air to the city, and to maintain it all, we will introduce policies to help Tema get to Zero Waste by 2025.

By working with various stakeholders, brands and individuals in very different disciplines. We are creating a series of multiple impactful, campaigns to help save, Tema and our planet.

What We Are Doing

Where We Are Now

Currently, we are encouraging the wise use of wetlands, closely observing the site, documenting its rapid deteroriation and comping up with solutions to reverse this destruction. By “Wise use of wetlands” we are are also referring to the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through conservation efforts and proper management of their natural resources.

Testing

In 2018, while documenting and researching, we partnered with the Institute for Environmental and Sanitation Studies Ecological Laboratory at the University of Ghana, Legon, to test and get samples of the sediment and the water from 5 sections of the Sakumono Lagoon. Observations showed that of all the nutrients studied, phosphates were the highest in the Sakumono Lagoon. The nutrient levels in the lagoon have also demonstrated a significant increase over the years.

Future Scope

Collaboration

Only and solely through collaboration can we effectively revive this wetland. Through our joint effort, we stand a better chance at creating a safer environment and educating each other about the importance of such spaces. With this shared educational experience, we are also more likely to maintain such areas and create new ones.

With collaboration as one of our main values, we currently engaging several communities to help fun parts of the project through donations.

In August, we are also exhibting parts of our documentation process thus far at Zentrale für Umweltausstellungen, Basel, Switzerland (The Center For Environmental Exhibitions). This, amongst other collaborative efforts are channels to create more awareness and implore more communities to act.

Longterm Goals

To restore the wetland, we have to clean its shores, clear and effectively stop the flow of pastics on the the surface of the water. Then, dredge the lagoon and re-sediment its soil and then re-plant trees native to the wetlands in this region.

One goal is to have clean and running water, safe for drinking and using for food and other personal uses.

We also have to eradicate clogged and polluted areas which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Hopeffuly these initial attempts will help restorate the habitat for all wildlife that live in and transit through the Ramsar site.

We Are Fed Up.

We Have Decided

︎

We Are
Fed Up.

We Have
Decided