livelihood

Agona Nkwanta (W/R), Jan. 27, GNA - The Forestry Commission (FC) is to begin an alternative livelihood programme for communities living around the Cape Three Points Forest Reserve within the Ahanta West District of the Western Region in March this year.

The programme is aimed at reducing the dependence of these communities on the forest reserve in the bid to protect the flora and fauna within it.

Mr. Richard Ninnoni, of the Biodiversity Conservation Team of the FC said this at the fourth forestry forum organised by the Commission for hunters, farmers, charcoal burners, non-governmental organisations, chiefs and civil society groups at Agona Nkwanta on Monday. He said a revolving fund had been established and would be disbursed to organised groups living around the reserve, to assist them to begin the biodiversity programme.

Mr. Ninnoni said the Cape Three Points forest reserve, was a global biodiversity site and should be protected by all. Mr. Michael Kpingbi, of the Ghana Tourists Board (GTB) said that eco-tourism, was one of the major foreign exchange earners for several African countries and urged the participants to do everything possible to protect the forest reserve.

He said the GTB was already promoting the reserve to foreigners so that they would visit the area during their holidays.

Mr. Paul L. Appiah, chairman of the forum said 43 chain-saw owners and operators in the district had been encouraged to form an association, adding that, this would enable the authorities to monitor their operations.

He said regular education on the need to preserve the environment was the major priority of the group for this year. Mr. Appiah advised participants to plant more economic trees that could also serve as windbreaks.