By Alex Ababio
The forests of Ghana, once abundant and thriving, have faced significant deforestation and degradation in recent years. According to the
World Bank Ghana Country Environmental Analysis (CEA) , environmental degradation costs $6.3 billion annually or nearly 11% of Ghana’s 2017 GDP. Non-renewable resources such as gold and oil cannot sustain growth as resources deplete, while renewable resources like cocoa, timber, and other tree and food crops depend on good environmental stewardship.
The evidence abounds especially with the scientific evidence that the erosion of natural capital may put growth, livelihoods, and human health at risk.
Despite these glaring risks , a growing movement of community-led reforestation initiatives is empowering Ghanaians to take charge of restoring their forest ecosystems.
The Importance of Community-led Reforestation:
Deforestation and Ecosystem Degradation:
Ghana has experienced significant deforestation, with an estimated loss of 2 million hectares of forest cover between 2001 and 2018.
It has been established with no equivoquation or whatsoever that deforestation accounts for biodiversity loss which increases carbon emissions, and exacerbates climate change impacts.
How reforestation plays significant role :
Significantly, reforestation plays a vital role in restoring forest ecosystems whiles enhancing biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing various ecological services.
The reforested areas contribute to regulating water cycles, protecting soil fertility, helping sequester carbon, , and supporting the return of native flora and fauna.
690,000 hectares of forests have been cultivated under the Forest Plantation Strategy between 2017 to 2022 through initiatives such as forest plantation, enrichment planting and trees-on-farm.
A research study published in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and based on data provided by the Ghanaian government indicated that Ghana successfully reforested 690,000 hectares of land from 2017 to 2022.
As reported the achievement represents one third of the country’s overall target of restoring 2 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2030.
According to the report, Ghana employs three different models to carry out its reforestation efforts.
As revealed in the research study , the first model, known as “Forest Plantation,” involves planting young trees in forest reserves to facilitate sustainable timber harvesting.
Depicted as “Enrichment,” the second model which focuses on restoring lost biodiversity by planting trees in existing forests that have experienced degradation or in areas that were originally devoid of trees.
The third model, known as the “Trees on Farms” program, is an agroforestry initiative that encourages farmers to plant trees on their own land.
Since 2017, the “Trees on Farms” model has accounted for the majority of Ghana’s tree planting endeavors, leading to the restoration of 520,100 hectares of land between 2017 and 2021, as reported by the National Forestry Commission. Additionally, forest planting has contributed to 91,000 hectares being restored, while the enrichment model has accounted for 22,000 hectares.
In the same source it indicates that Ghana’s reforestation initiative has had a significant positive impact on employment, creating 98,762 jobs in 2019, 75,379 jobs in 2020, and 80,378 jobs in 2021.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor disclosed this at the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day on Friday at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 1st March 2022, launched the 2022 edition of “Green Ghana Day”, with a commitment to planting some twenty million trees , as part of Government’s aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme.
Speaking at the event held at the Accra International Conference Centre, President Akufo-Addo stated that even though the target of the maiden edition of Green Ghana Day, held last year, was some 5 million trees, a total of 7 million trees were planted.
“I am informed that most of these trees are doing very well, and this encourages us to continue with the project, and to do even more. This year, we have raised our target, and we have committed to plant, at least, twenty million (20,000,000) trees. This requires that we mobilise the entire population to ensure that each Ghanaian and each foreigner, that is every resident in Ghana, plants, at least, one tree,” he said.
Describing the country’s forests as “one of the most important natural resources required for our nation’s socio-economic development”, the President noted that regrettably, across the world, the exploitation of forest resources has been very rampant, leading to a substantial decline in the world’s forest cover.
According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), between 1990 and 2020, the world lost some one hundred and seventy-eight million hectares (178,000,000 ha) of forests, almost the size of Libya.
With just eight (8) years to attain the goals set in the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the President stated that “climate change continues to derail our efforts, by impacting the fundamentals required to achieve the goals.”
He continued, “Eradication of poverty, zero hunger, good health, gender equality, clean water, affordable and clean energy, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption and production, life on land and life below water are all being negatively impacted by climate change”.
Challenges and Solutions in Community-led Reforestation:
Lack of Access to Land and Resources:
Communities often face challenges in accessing suitable land for reforestation efforts.
The study revealed that limited access to quality tree seedlings, technical knowledge as well as financial resources further hinder community-led initiatives.
Stakeholders Collaboration :
It should be stated that partnerships with government agencies,
local communities, NGOs as well as private entities are extremely essential for addressing challenges and providing support.
Evidence abounds shows that collaborative efforts is an avenue to leverage diverse expertise, policy frameworks as well as funding opportunities, and to enhance the success of community-led reforestation.
Mechanisms of Innovative Funding :
Public-private,
Carbon credits, crowdfunding, and partnerships Innovative financing models
are crucial for sustaining community-led reforestation initiatives.
It scientifically known that these models present communities with the necessary resources with the aim to implement reforestation projects and maintain long-term commitments.
Communities Making a Difference:
Akyeramade , located in Bono region , has a deep connection to the forest and recognized the need for reforestation to restore their degraded ecosystem.
Reforestation Strategies:
The community implemented various reforestation strategies, including tree planting campaigns, agroforestry practices, and the protection of natural regeneration areas.
These strategies aimed to restore forest cover, enhance soil fertility, and promote biodiversity.
Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
Through their reforestation efforts, Akyeramade witnessed the return of native plant species, an increase in wildlife populations, and improved water quality in rivers and streams.
The Ecological benefits of community-led reforestation are demonstrated in these positive changes.
Testimonials from Community Members:
Community members, such as Nana Agyei Manu, Akyeramade Community leader expressed their pride and commitment to restoring their forest.
Sharing how the reforestation initiative provided economic opportunities such as
improved community resilience, and strengthened their cultural connection to the land ,Nana Agyei Manu Akyeramade advised Ghanaians to embarked on reafforestation .
At Babato Kuma, a community located in the Bono East region of Ghana faced similar environmental challenges and recognized the importance of reforestation for restoring their forest ecosystem.
Strategies of reafforestation:
Employed innovative approaches the community engaged activities which include
community nurseries, organizing seedling distribution programs, and raising awareness about the benefits of reforestation.
They utilize these strategies with the intension to engage community members to be actively involved in the project so as ensure the long-term success of the reforestation initiative.
Socioeconomic Benefits:
The reforestation efforts in Babato Kuma generated various socioeconomic benefits.
As they strived to establish sustainable agroforestry systems through the initiative, the members of the community created new income opportunities, promoted eco-tourism, and enhanced the resilience of local livelihoods.
Voices of the Community :
Baba Musa a member of the community shared his personal stories as he emphasized the transformative power of community-led reforestation.
Highlighting the positive impact on their lives, Baba Musa gave meaning about the sense of ownership and empowerment, and the hope for a sustainable future for their community.
Broad Impact and Future Opportunities:
Environmental Impact:
Community-led reforestation initiatives contribute to enhanced carbon sequestration, the restoration of critical habitats, improved water regulation, and the preservation of ecosystem services.
The community’s initiatives have been able to play a critical role to mitigate climate change impacts and preserving Ghana’s natural heritage.
Socioeconomic Benefits:
As they engaged communities in reforestation efforts , it has positioned the local economies to revitalize itself through job creation, sustainable income opportunities, and the promotion of nature-based enterprises.
Significantly, reforestation is also vital in enhancing food security, supports sustainable agriculture, and fosters community cohesion.
Policy and Institutional Support:
Scaling up community-led reforestation requires, institutional frameworks,
supportive policies, , and capacity-building initiatives are crucial.
There is the need for Governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to collaborate so as to create an enabling environment that will empower communities and ensure the long-term success of reforestation programs.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
As the reafforestation project is concerned It is essential to create an avenue for Increased collaboration between policy makers communities, researchers, and organizations in order to share lessons learned, scientific knowledge and best practices.
Joint endeavors are designed to strengthen the collective impact of community-led reforestation which go along way to bring about innovation for future initiatives.
It is gainfully important to invest in Community-led reforestation which is considered to be powerful and transformative approach in restoring Ghana’s forest ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and empowering local communities.
As a nation we should continue to highlight success stories, discuss challenges and solutions, and recognize the broad impact on the environment and local livelihoods.
Ghana can only restore its forests, preserve biodiversity, and create a sustainable future for generations to come through reafforestation.
