Mr. John Allotey, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, highlighted Ghana’s commitment to reforestation and afforestation policies, emphasizing transparency, community engagement, and accountability.
Speaking at a high-level discussion during COP28, he represented the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor.
Ghana’s approach revolves around involving local communities in planning, execution, and monitoring of forest degradation reversal initiatives.
Mr. Allotey cited the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) as a key intervention, mobilizing communities to actively participate in designing and implementing programs.
Globally, he urged countries to adopt Ghana’s blueprint, emphasizing the need to involve residents from the initial stages.
This inclusive approach empowers locals to contribute innovative ideas, ensuring the success and sustainability of forest preservation policies.
Residents, directly impacted by forests, derive their livelihoods from them, making their involvement crucial. Mr. Allotey stressed the importance of creating ownership by considering residents’ needs and fostering a collaborative decision-making process.
He advocated for transparency in leadership selection for indigenous representation, considering gender balance, youth involvement, and transparent governance structures.
Acknowledging that local communities possess valuable knowledge on forest protection, he urged equal participation at all levels to facilitate effective information sharing and decision-making.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
