Sustainable Forest Conservation and Youth Empowerment in the Western North Region, Ghana

Background

The Western North Region of Ghana, known for its lush forest landscapes in areas like Juaboso-Bia and Sefwi-Wiawso, is rich in biodiversity and vital ecosystems. These forests serve as carbon sinks, biodiversity reserves, and tourist attractions, contributing to social cohesion and economic growth. However, they face severe threats from human activities, poor law enforcement, and ineffective resource governance. Illegal mining and logging have led to alarming rates of deforestation and environmental degradation, posing long-term challenges for sustainable development.

Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to reduce deforestation and land degradation in the Western North Region through enhanced agricultural productivity and the provision of employable skills. Specific objectives include:

Creating Awareness: :

Deepening understanding of environmental degradation and climate change among local communities.

Education and Skill Development:

Providing TVET-certified employable skills to the youth, especially those involved in illegal mining and logging.

Climate-Smart Agriculture:

Promoting practices to improve productivity and incomes in agrarian communities.

Community Conservation:

Establishing community-based forest conservation clubs to regenerate and protect degraded lands.

Social Protection:

Enhancing social protection through financial inclusion and business financing for vocational assurance.

Justification

Despite its natural wealth, the Western North Region faces significant environmental challenges due to illegal mining and logging. Unemployment and a lack of employable skills drive many youths into these destructive activities. A survey by the ESDEV Foundation Africa and partners indicates that many illegal miners are willing to switch to alternative livelihoods if provided with the necessary skills and opportunities. This project thus addresses the root causes of environmental degradation by targeting youth employment and providing alternative livelihoods, thereby fostering sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Expected Outcomes

Improved Climate Awareness

Enhanced understanding among local communities through public forums, radio programs, and billboards.

Increased Employability

Better income opportunities for youth trained in TVET skills, climate-smart agriculture, and value addition.

Strengthened Forest Governance

Improved protection through community forest clubs.

Restored Landscapes

Regenerated forest landscapes through community-led conservation practices.

Enhanced Social Protection

Improved financial inclusion and business financing for youth.

Intervention Approach

The ESDEV Foundation Africa, in collaboration with the government and relevant CSOs, is actively raising awareness about environmental protection through community actions and partnerships. To tackle high unemployment rates, the Foundation conducts research to identify skills required for alternative livelihoods. It targets young people involved in illegal mining for sensitization and skill development through TVET institutions. The initiative also focuses on enhancing the agricultural and forestry value chain and establishing a multi-stakeholder Climate Action Centre to coordinate climate actions and protect forest landscapes.

Conclusion

The project aims to address the pressing issue of environmental degradation in the Western North Region of Ghana by targeting its root causes and providing sustainable alternative livelihoods. By enhancing employability, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and fostering community-led conservation efforts to protect and regenerate the region's rich forest landscapes. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, this initiative will contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation, benefiting both local communities and the broader ecosystem.