Preserving Natural Heritage Through Community Leadership

Environment and Agroforestry Foundation (EAF), in collaboration with Forest Services Division and various District Assemblies, has launched a comprehensive initiative to support communities in Bono, Bono East, Savanna, and Upper West Regions who have successfully preserved natural sites through traditional customs and taboos.

Project Overview

Our Community Protected Forests Initiative recognizes and supports local communities that have maintained sacred groves and natural sites through traditional conservation methods. These communities play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity conservation and combating climate change.

Key Project Components

• Capacity building for community members in silvicultural operations
• Support for indigenous tree planting and site expansion
• Training and deployment of tour guards
• Development of ecotourism potential
• Creation of sustainable income generation opportunities

Community Impact

The initiative has already shown significant success in several locations:

• Kpaala Community protected site in Upper West Region
• Duasidan Community protected site in Bono Region
• Multiple sacred groves across participating regions

Sustainable Management Approach

Our approach combines traditional conservation methods with modern sustainable management practices:

• Integration of traditional customs and taboos with scientific conservation methods
• Development of local management committees
• Implementation of sustainable resource use guidelines
• Creation of eco-tourism opportunities

Future Plans

Moving forward, we aim to:

• Expand the initiative to additional communities
• Strengthen the network of protected sites
• Develop more sustainable income generation opportunities
• Enhance biodiversity monitoring and protection