Cemeteries As Sustainable Green Spaces In The Urban Landscape Of The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (Gama)

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Date

2021-12

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University of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cemeteries are primarily constructed as the final place of rest for the dead. The presence of plant cover in cemeteries and their sacred nature make them unique components of the urban landscape that need some protection. With mounting pressures on the urban space due to population growth, most urban cemeteries find themselves at the centre of cities and as a result face various abuses, although, they provide shade, perform other ecological functions, enhance the natural aesthetic beauty and promote healthier city life. The objective of the study was therefore to explore the potential of cemeteries as functional green spaces within the urban landscape by examining their physical features, the ecological status and socio-cultural attributes in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving on-the-spot observation, floral and social surveys, and key informant interviews. A total of 500 questionnaires were administered and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. Orthophotograph images of the cemeteries were analysed using Geographic Information Systems to obtain the land cover classification of the cemeteries. The quantitative data of the research was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), software version 20 (IBM). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the perception on multi-use of cemeteries, acceptable uses of cemeteries, actual uses of cemeteries and chi-square statistics was used to test the relationship between perception about multi-use of cemeteries and other uses apart from burial. The qualitative data was analysed under the broad themes of tree management, other uses of cemeteries, and policy challenges regarding cemetery operations and management. Cemeteries were located in the majority of the Assemblies in GAMA. From the study, 48 cemeteries were identified in GAMA. Private families owned 69%, the public owned 17%, 4% were commercial and 10 % owned by religious organizations. Ownership type can be traced to strong cultural and traditional beliefs. More than 50% of the cemeteries were walled, with the rest not walled. Activities observed in the cemeteries included construction, farming, commercial, residential and relaxation. Evidence of open defecation and cemeteries as waste dump sites were also observed. The findings of the research showed that, a total of 176 species from 62 families were identified. Out of which 71% naturally growing species, and 29% were introduced species. The land cover analysis showed that the area covered by each land cover type varied across cemeteries, with the highest tree cover found in the private family cemeteries. The belief that the dead must be protected from harsh weather conditions mainly accounts for vegetation in cemeteries. A total of 92% of the respondents perceived cemeteries as monofunctional places (burial purposes only), although 42% reported having used the cemeteries in other ways aside from burial. The study also showed that 7.4% of the respondents use the cemetery as toilet and waste dump sites. The location and distribution of cemeteries in GAMA make them green areas. The floral composition and vegetation cover of cemeteries make them good green areas in cities. For the cities to realise and benefit from the full potential of cemeteries as functional green spaces, traditional and cultural beliefs associated with cemeteries, particularly the ones linked to vegetation, should be blended with the formal management of cemeteries and city authorities must strive to direct multi-use of cemeteries in ways that complement the presence of vegetation in cemeteries.

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PhD. Environmental Science

Keywords

Cemeteries, Urban, Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (Gama)

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