By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
Traditional and opinion leaders have been entreated to intensify communal conservation strategies to help preserve natural resources for the current and future generations.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Diffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI), Nadi Imoro Sanda made the appeal at the inauguration of the Protected Area Management Advisory Unit (PAMAU) for DBI.
Members of the PAMAU have the mandate to advise the management of the Gbele Resource Reserve on how to govern and manage the natural resources of the Gbele Park in collaboration with forest fringe communities.
Mr. Imoro Sanda indicated that the intensification of conservation of the environment by local actors will equally help to mitigate the effects of climate change on diversity.
The DCE who swore in the members of the PAMAU touched on the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and charged them to work hard to reverse the trend.
Touching on the significance of the Gbele Resource Reserve, Mr Imoro Sanda said even though less known of it, it is the fourth largest in Ghana covering an area of about 565km2 (218sq. miles). He continued that it is the only wildlife-protected area in the Upper West Region.
The Park Manager of the Gbele Resource Reserve, Dr Polycarp Maabier stated that, the government of Ghana has demonstrated the need for conservation agencies to adopt participatory forest resource management approaches in natural resource management which is a global trend.
This, Dr Maabier said, has reflected in a paradigm shift in conservation policies since the early 1990s. He mentioned the 1994 Forest and Wildlife Policy, 2012 Forest and Wildlife Policy, and the Wildlife Resorce Management Bill that was passed by Parliament on the 28th July, 2023 awaiting Presidential accent.
“In line with the policies, collaborative wildlife management systems have been developed by the Wildlife Division to ensure a more active participation of the fringe communities, civil societies and other stakeholders in wildlife resource management in the country,” Dr. Maabier observed.
The Chairman of the DBI PAMAU, Kuoro Sumaila Tambogikuon described the mission of the Advisory Unit as multifaceted and stressed the necessity for strong partnerships to craft inclusive management plans that take cognisance of traditional knowledge and contemporary science.
He pledged that he and his team members will strive for effective enforcement of regulations while simultaneously empowering education and awareness initiatives to cultivate a deep sense of environmental stewardship.
Kuoro Tambogikuon who is also the Chief of Daung said: “As we navigate the path ahead, challenges may test our resolve. However, I firmly believe that our collective dedication will overcome any obstacle standing in the way of preserving our natural heritage.”
