BACKGROUND
The degradation
was mainly through farming on the slopes, tree
cutting and annual burning. These activities posed
a serious threat to the ecological functions,
socio-economic and cultural values of the forest.
The biodiversity importance
of the area is considered exceptional, especially
in terms of butterfly and bird species. The site
has been selected as one of the key Important
Bird Areas in Ghana, based on BirdLife International's
criteria. There is also evidence that the Afadjato
forest is home to some endangered mammals. An
example is the Golden Cat, Profelis aurata,
which is known to be extinct in most parts of
the country.
OBJECTIVES
The biodiversity
and aesthetics of selected areas of the Afadjato
and Agumatsa Ranges, including the proposed Afadjato
Community Nature Reserve, conserved and sustainably
managed by local communities and alternative income
sources developed to improve local livelihoods.
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Mesh-like
fungus in the forest of Afadjato |
STRATEGY
Implementation
of the project is based on a partnership approach
that empowers local people to take responsibility
for the management of their natural resources.
The project seeks to use the
natural attractions of the habitat and the Agumatsa
ranges to promote community-based eco-tourism
as an alternative to farming and tree cutting
in the forest. The tourism enterprise is expected
to provide employment opportunities for the people
and adequate revenue for community development.
Small scale industries which
are compatible with forest conservation will also
be developed through credit and technical support
to increase household income and improve livelihoods.
Key Activities
• Establishment of a community
nature reserve,
• Preparation and implementation of a Site
management Plan,
• Habitat improvement,
• Small scale enterprise development,
• Creation of public awareness,
• Community infrastructure development,
such as improvement of roads,
• Development of tourist infrastructure
and facilities,
• Development of a marketing and communication
strategy to promote the area as an
eco-tourism site both locally and internationally,
• Training to build local capacity.
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Oil
Palm production. One of the income generating
activities for women in Gbledi |
IMPLEMENTORS AND FUNDING
The project is implemented
through partnership between the chiefs and people
of the Gbledi Traditional Area and Fodome Ahor and
the Ghana Wildlife Society. This kind of collaboration
is compatible with the Forest and Wildlife Policy
(1994), which advocates for community participation
in natural resource management.
The
project is funded by the Netherlands Government
through the Netherlands Embassy, Accra, with an
approved budget of about 3.7 million Dutch Guilders
over a five-year period (1998-2003).
BENEFITS
Biodiversity
of the Afadjato forests conserved
Increased employment opportunities for the local
people.
Improved local income levels and improved quality
of life.
World wide recognition for the collaborating communities.
Local communities adequately empowered to take charge
of forest resource management.
LOCATION &
HOW TO GET THERE
The project is located
within the Gbledi Traditional Area in the Hohoe
District, one of 12 districts of
the Volta Region. The Project area is 300 km from
the nation’s capital, Accra. It is 24 km
S.E. of Hohoe, the District capital. One can get
to Gbledi through Hohoe via Fodome-Helu or through
Golokwati via Liati-Soba.
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