Forestry Commission launches programme to stall forest depletion
The Forestry Commission has launched a programme to save the country’s forest from further depletion and also reduce emissions that cause global warming.
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The programme forms part of global efforts to mitigate climate change which presents a major threat to human existence.
It is known as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation + Conservation of Forests, Sustainable Forest Management and Enhancement of Carbon Stocks, (REDD+).
Led by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the programme provides economic incentives for initiatives/actions by developing countries that effectively result in reductions in mainly carbon dioxide emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
According to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, at the beginning of the 20th century, Ghana's forest cover was about 8.2 million hectares, but had been reduced to about 1.6 million hectares.
World Bank research estimates that the degradation of agricultural soils, forests and Savannah woodlands, coastal fisheries, wildlife resources, and Lake Volta's environment, cost Ghana at least $520 million annually.
Danger
At the launch of the road show for REDD+ in Ghana, the Chief Executive of the FC, Mr Samuel Afari Dartey, warned that the rate at which the country’s forest was being degraded would affect the availability of water in the future.
Citing the Birim, Densu and the Ayensu rivers which are sources of drinking water as an example, he said, the three rivers took their sources from the Atiwa Range but the rivers were at a very high risk of drying up because of illegal chainsaw activities which were destroying the reserve.
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“Let’s take a very firm stand to actively support sustainable forest management strategies in our own small way by protecting trees and forests, putting a stop to illegal felling of trees, plant and nurture trees and get a few more people to join hands with you,” he urged.
Road show
As part of the awareness creation of REDD+, the FC is embarking on its maiden Road Show from September 29 to November 4, 2014.
Four strategic locations—Damongo in the Northern Region, Hohoe in the Volta Region, Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo Region and Tarkwa in the Western Region, will take turns to host the event designed to create awareness of REDD+ and climate change, as well as instigate behavioural change to ensure sustainable use and management of natural resources.
The four communities have been chosen because of increased tree cutting, illegal mining and wild fires that occur there.
The road show that is being run on the theme: “Reducing Forest Loss and Climate Change impacts through REDD+; Our Collective Responsibility,” will use documentaries on effects of deforestation, durbars, school visits, community engagements, poster exhibitions, floats, among other communication tools, to sell the REDD+ message.
The Road Show will be climaxed with a national REDD+ forum in Accra.
The FC also used the occasion to launch a quarterly bulletin—REDD+ Digest—aimed at educating the public on climate change and other REDD+ mechanisms.
Writer’s email: seth.bokpe@graphic.com.gh