Calls on private sector involvement in wildlife conservation, management intensified
Calls on private sector involvement in wildlife conservation, management
intensified
Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, My Joy Online
March 10, 2025
See link
https://www.myjoyonline.com/calls-on-private-sector-involvement-in-wildlife-conservation-management-intensified/for
photos.
There has been an increasing call for the private sector to take part in
the conservation and management of wildlife resources in the country. The
Acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission (FC) states that private
financial investment is essential for the conservation, protection, and
management of wildlife resources in Ghana.
Dr. Hugh Brown emphasised that Ghana is fortunate to have a diverse range
of wildlife, including iconic species like the African elephant, as well as
rare and endangered animals such as the Bongo, leopard, lions, and
chimpanzees, which can be found in national parks, forest reserves, and
ecosystems that benefit local communities.
Dr Brown urges the public to actively participate in protecting the
environment, particularly the forests, which serve as the habitat for these
wild animals.
“The Forestry Commission believes it is the responsibility of all citizens
to conserve our wildlife resources and therefore, calls on all and sundry
for support to ensure the sustainable management and development of Ghana’s
wildlife and their habitats, to optimize their contribution to national
socio-economic development,” Dr Brown said.
About 20 percent of Ghana's land area is permanently allocated for
biodiversity conservation, consisting of 11.5% forest reserves, 6% wildlife
protected areas, and 2.5% sacred groves. The Wildlife Division manages 21
protected areas, including seven national parks, six resource reserves, two
wildlife sanctuaries, one strict nature reserve, five coastal wetlands, and
two zoological gardens. These protected areas have been legally designated
and are permanently dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Executive Director of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, Dr.
Joseph Boakye, mentioned that the 2025 celebrations coincide with the 50th
anniversary of the implementation of the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Dr. Boakye explained that the goal of the conservation framework is to
ensure that the trade in wildlife species is legal, sustainable, and
traceable. He noted that this year’s theme, "Wildlife Conservation
Financing: Investing in Conservation Efforts that Benefit Both People and
the Planet," aims to emphasise the importance of adequate private sector
funding for conservation efforts.
The theme also focuses on exploring innovative and sustainable approaches
to financing wildlife conservation to build a resilient future for both
people and the planet.
However, Dr. Boakye pointed out that financing for conservation remains
insufficient to protect these critical ecosystems and species. He further
stated that the Wildlife Division is responsible for the sustainable
conservation, management, and development of Ghana’s wildlife resources for
the benefit of all segments of society.
“Financing for conservation efforts remains insufficient to protect these
critical ecosystems and species. The traditional approach to funding like
governments allocation, grant from our development partners and revenue
from ecotourism have proven inadequate and often unpredictable,” he
stressed.
The Paramount Chief of the Kumawu Traditional Area, Barima Sarfo Tweneboa
Kodua, stated that the subtheme "Wildlife Conservation: Investing in People
and Planet" is both timely and relevant. He encouraged stakeholders to use
the theme as a guide to explore innovative ways to support conservation
initiatives.