The exposure and protection of Ghana's flora and fauna would assume global dimension with the official launch in Accra on Wednesday of the first International Eco-Tourism Festival, to be held between October 14 and 25.

Eco-Fest 2001, a private sector initiative with government support, is expected to bring together hundreds of local and international tourists and investors.

It would be under the theme, "Celebrating the earth in the new millennium for nature, people and culture," and would feature field tours, seminars, musical concert and a durbar of chiefs and people of Akyem Abuakwa, in the Eastern Region.

Nana Akomeah, Deputy Minister Designate of Tourism, who launched it, expressed the hope that it would lead to the floating of bids for wildlife sanctuaries to investors to make their exposure and protection more effective.

Nana Akomeah, who represented the Minister, Madam Hawa Yakubu, described the festival as a "happy combination" saying "in conserving the environment you make a little money."

He said management plans for the guidance and development of national parks are required to have management plans that would serve as a basis for seeking financial resources.

The festival is a brainchild of an Accra-based tourism-operating firm, Sagrenti Tours Limited, with support from Conservation International, Okyeman Environment Foundation (OEF) and Heritage Development.

The Ministry of Tourism, Ghana Tourist Board and the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission are official facilitators.

Nana Akomeah said there were a lot of instances where communities with tourist attractions did not benefit from the proceeds from the industry.

The Ministry, he said, saw it as "a challenge to involve local communities in the tourism business. "It is only when they are made to be a part of it that they would feel committed to protecting and conserving nature."

The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Oforipanin, who was represented by Nana Asante Bediatuo, Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa, said that traditional authorities should lead in efforts to protect and conserve nature.

"This is the sine qua non of grassroots environmental and conservation activism. In the face of changing perceptions about conservation, it cannot be gainsaid that those who shirk their responsibility to manage resources risk all of our futures."

He said preparations for the grand durbar were underway in Kyebi, which would host participants, amidst food and craft bazaars, "and a proud display of the rich culture and environment of Akyem Abuakwa Kwaebibirem" (the dark forest).

Mr Kofi Sekyiamah, a member of Eco-Fest Foundation, said funds raised from the festival would be used for environmental protection projects in rural areas.

He said the event would be held annually, to bring together local and international stakeholders to brainstorm and act to protect the environment.