Emmanuel Kofi Dzage is a PhD researcher with the Biodiversity Unit at the Faculty of Biology, Geography and Geology (BGG). With a multidisciplinary background in Sociology, Organizational Development and Corporate Governance, Kofi's research focuses on the adverse effects of surface mining activities on biodiversity, and how these could be mitigated particularly through regenerative business practices in ensuring ecosystem protection and nature conservation. Driven by a passion for fostering industry engagement in environmental stewardship and ecological responsibility, he aims to contribute to transformative, socially resilient policy solutions through impactful development research.

My research focuses on the impact of unregulated artisanal and surface gold mining (ASM) on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation within selected hotspot zones in the tropical regions of West Africa and the Amazon. It explores innovative approaches to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation post ASM mining through land reclamation, soil fertility restoration, forest and biodiversity regeneration and other ecological reengineering practices. Working towards ecological and social resilience, this project demonstrates how policy interventions around ecologically-friendly livelihood alternatives could be deployed as sustainable income-earning options for people engaged in ASM.