The Atiwa Range Forest Reserve in the Eastern Region could be developed into an eco-tourism site because of its aesthetic value, Mr Walter Atuoni Gyabaah, Eastern Regional Forest Manager, said on Tuesday.

He said the imposing hilly landscapes and unique scenery could attract both local and foreign tourists.

Mr was speaking at a workshop at Kibi on a Draft Management Plan for the Atiwa Forest Reserve under the auspices of the Ghana Wildlife Society in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and sponsored by the World Bank.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from the Commission, Ministry of Lands and Forestry, Ghana Water Company, Minerals Commission, among other organisations, to discuss and fine-tune the draft plan for a final document.

Mr Gyabaah said the Reserve has been identified as one of the globally significant biodiversity areas with a number of rare animal and plant species.

"This could serve as an international research centre, educational site and recreational grounds when developed," he said.

Mr Gyabaah noted that the presence of numerous caves, the legendary hunter, who turned into palm tree and the historic stories of Densu, Birim and Wankobi rivers were added advantages.

He said when the area is turned to business oriented site it would yield revenue, which could be used to create an alternative job avenue for indigenes, who engage in illegal activities in the Reserve.

Mr Gyabaah said the proposed plan to mine bauxite was a threat to the Reserve.

Dr Erasmus Owusu of the Ghana Wildlife Society said the Draft Biodiversity Management Plan of Atiwa, which started in 2000, was developed through a participatory process.

It took into cognisance the needs of all relevant stakeholders vis-?-vis the urgency to maintain the ecological integrity of the Reserve.

Dr Owusu pointed out, however, that the Reserve had been designated as one among 36 Important Bird Areas globally with 460 species of butterflies and 130 species of birds.