The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG) has hosted the 2nd National-Level Stakeholders’ Workshop on Threatened Trees Conservation.
The workshop brought together experts in the forest conservation industry to discuss the conservation of threatened tree species in Ghana. Ghana is home to four critically endangered tree species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
It is meant to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to protect threatened tree species and promote sustainable forest management.
Dr. James Amponsah, the Project Coordinator explained that the project has trained over 120 people in sustainable farming practices to reduce pressure on forest resources.
According to him, the workshop is a step towards ensuring that threatened tree species are conserved to promote sustainable forest management.
Mr. Olivier Hasiver, Grant Manager – Foundation Franklinia Programme Coordinator – noted that trees are keystone species that structure ecosystems and provide numerous benefits to many species and that conserving threatened tree species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
He disclosed that the workshop would contribute to the development of a national strategy for conserving threatened tree species in Ghana.
Mr. Hasiver indicated that the project has also led to the establishment of tree nurseries and the distribution of seedlings to communities.
Mr. Kwamena Quaison, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability in Ghana.
He noted that Ghana has a national environment policy with sufficient guidelines and provisions to address environmental Issues.
According to him, Ghana’s national environment policy provides a framework for addressing environmental issues, including carbon sinks and sustainability.
Mr. Kwamena Quaison expressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forest Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority.
He said the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has 13 Research Institutes that could leverage research to drive environmental sustainability.
He noted that: “it is important for us to recognise the fact that environmental sustainability is crucial for our future” and stressed the need to put measures in place to ensure that “whatever we do protects the environment and promotes sustainability.”
He reiterated that the emphasis on environmental sustainability was expected to contribute to the development of effective policies and programmes that promote sustainable development in Ghana.
He expressed the view that by prioritizing environmental sustainability, Ghana could ensure a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for its citizens.
Dr. Kwame Antwi Odro, Director of CSIR-FORIG commended the organisations involved in the initiative towards conserving the threatened Trees.
He reiterated the critical role forests play in the lives and livelihood support system of all humanity and said forest covers nearly one-third of Earth’s land surface (4.06 billion hectares).
He noted that it is estimated that Forests harbour most of Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity, providing habits for 80 percent of amphibian species, 75 percent of bird species and 68 percent of Mammal species.
He said the Forest provides more than 86 million green jobs, and that CSIR-FORIG is proud to be hosting the workshop, aimed at bringing together experts and key stakeholders towards building consensus, evaluating achievements and planning towards sustainable conservation actions for Ghana’s threatened forest resources.