Evaluating and proposing design interventions for the recreational use of a reservoir Landscape, A case study of Lake volta in Akosombo, Ghana

Lakes and reservoirs have been utilized globally as a resource for hydropower generation, irrigation, domestic purpose and industrial use. More so, they account for over 3.7% of the Earth’s surface. Muryani, Santoso and Utomowati (2018) also remarked that the development of reservoir water into tourist attractions and means of revenue generation must be backed up with many other attractive activities at the site of the reservoir in order to draw tourists. Some reservoirs in developed countries have created recreational activities at the reservoir area and this has economic benefits. In light of this, Lake Volta was considered as the case study and its recreational uses and benefits at the present evaluated. Data through questionnaire was gathered to identify the recreational activites that can be implemented at the site. Also, the recreational activities presently carried out at the Lake Volta were compared to other selected reservoirs around the world and the Lake Volta has little activities going on when compared to others. Design interventions have been indicted as an effective approach in optimizing lakes, water bodies and their landscape. Due to this, the researcher developed some designs which when implemented would change the face of the Lake Volta, increase the recreational activities at the site and generate economic value while preserving the landscape and ensuring that sustainability is engendered.

Järved ja veehoidlad on maailmas laialdaselt kasutusel hüdroenergia tootmiseks, põllumajanduseks, koduseks otstarbeks ja tööstuslikuks kasutamiseks. Lisaks moodustavad need üle 3,7% Maa pinnast. Muryani, Santoso ja Utomowati (2018) on öelnud, et veehoidlate arendamine turismiatraktsioonideks ja tuluallikaks peab olema toetatud mitmete teiste atraktiivsete tegevustega veehoidla asukohas. Mõned arenenud riigid on veehoidlate piirkonnas loonud vaba aja veetmise võimalusi, mis toob kaasa majanduslikke eeliseid. Seda arvestades võeti uurimisobjektiks Volta järv ning hinnati selle praegust vaba aja veetmise võimalusi ja hüvesid. Andmeid koguti küsimustiku abil, et tuvastada tegevused, mida saab kohapeal rakendada. Samuti võrreldi praegu Volta veehoidla ümbruses toimuvaid vaba aja veetmise võimalusi teiste valitud veehoidlate omadega kogu maailmas ning võrreldes teistega on Volta järvel neid vähe. Disainisekkumised on tõhus lähenemisviis järvede, veekogude ja maastike optimeerimiseks. Selle tulemusel arendas autor välja mõned disainilahendused, mis muudaksid Volta järve välimust, suurendaksid järveümbruse vaba aja veetmise võimalusi ning looksid majanduslikku väärtust, säilitades samal ajal maastikku ja tagades säästlikkuse.