Protecting endangered species is a collective responsibility
Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges of environmental degradation through an activity such as illegal mining, locally referred to as galamsey.
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Another challenge confronting the country that perhaps not enough attention has been paid to is the loss of biodiversity resulting from the galamsey canker.
Indeed, endangered plant and animal species play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem. They contribute to nutrient cycling, pollination, pest control, among other ecological functions. They help in the development and promotion of ecotourism.
The loss of these species can, therefore, have far-reaching consequences, including reduced crop yields, decreased water quality and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
That is why the Daily Graphic thinks that the recent discovery of endangered species in the Kpoeta enclave (see page 11) should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action from stakeholders such as the government, traditional leaders and individuals to join forces to protect and conserve endangered plant and animal species.
We often seem to wait for foreign organisations to take up such responsibilities, but this has not been so in the current case; this time round a local organisation founded by a Ghanaian citizen has come to the rescue.
The International Union for Nature Conservation, established by Dr Caleb Ofori Boateng, has identified for protection, certain animals and plants considered extinct or endangered, in the Kpoeta enclave.
As we commend Dr Ofori Boateng and his organisation for the laudable initiative, we urge the government to complement the organisation’s effort by taking the leading role in enforcing laws and policies that safeguard endangered species and their habitats.
The Daily Graphic believes that as a nation we must be deliberate about the protection of the threatened animals and trees through forest protection, restoration and improvement of community livelihoods.
The government must thus strengthen its activities of protecting our forest reserves and other established protected areas, while regulating human activities that harm the environment, and provide funding and other resources required for conservation efforts.
In this light, we strongly advocate that no matter whose ox is gored, the government must do whatever it takes to win especially the fight against illegal mining which has over the years destroyed many valuable flora and fauna of the country.
We note the significant influence that traditional leaders hold over land use and resource management. It thus behoves them to also consciously engage in conservation efforts.
They are in a unique position to help sensitise the citizenry to and raise awareness of the importance of protecting endangered species and promote sustainable land use practices within their communities.
Individuals, too, have a critical role to play. They need to make conscious choices in their daily lives that can contribute to the protection of endangered species by reducing their carbon footprint, using eco-friendly products, and supporting conservation initiatives.
Endangered species are a vital component of our natural heritage, and their loss would be irreparable. Therefore, individuals, leaders or the government must inspire action by contributing their quota to education and awareness-raising efforts to help build a culture of conservation.
We owe this duty to mother nature and posterity.