Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a mangrove
    • ex. A lot of fish live and feed near the mangroves.
  2. a livelihood
    • ex. Fishing is the main livelihood for people living near the river.
  3. preservation
    • ex. The preservation of forests keeps animals safe.
  4. threatened
    • ex. The sea turtles are threatened by plastic pollution in the ocean.
  5. endanger
    • ex. Driving too fast endangers other people’s lives.

Article

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In Tsokomey, Ghana, many women have relied on oyster farming as their main livelihood for many years. They collect oysters from the mangroves near the sea and sell them. Recently, hundreds of women were trained in eco-friendly oyster farming methods to protect the environment from climate change. Their training included mangrove planting and preservation, and careful oyster collecting.

Mangroves are special trees that grow along the coast. They are threatened by rising sea levels, climate change, and people cutting wood for cooking. The development of buildings in the town also affects them. And without these trees, oysters move to deeper water. This makes farming harder and endangers the women who dive to find them. So, the oyster farmers are planting mangroves again.

In addition, a group called the Densu Oyster Pickers Association set rules for cutting mangroves. The group only allows the cutting of mangroves for a limited period so that the trees will not disappear. And when people break these rules, they may receive punishments, like being reported to the police.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Oyster Farming and Livelihood

  • Oyster farming is a livelihood for many people in Tsokomey, Ghana. What city/town in your country is similar to Tsokomey, Ghana? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what livelihood in your country is affected by climate change (ex. farming, fishing)? Discuss.
  • Oyster farming has been a main livelihood for many people in Tsokomey, Ghana, for many years. In your opinion, why does a livelihood last for many years? Discuss.

Rules and Punishment in Protecting Nature

  • In Ghana, a group set rules to protect mangroves. In your opinion, how necessary are rules in protecting nature? Discuss.
  • Describe the situation of nature and natural resources in your country. Discuss.
  • Imagine you are part of a group protecting nature in your community. What rules would you make? Discuss.