World Bank gives Ghana $5.5m in support of forest project

Ghana’s effort at rolling back the increasing deforestation and forest degradation has received a huge boost with the launch of a five-year project targeting forest-rich communities in two regions – Western and Brong-Ahafo.

The $5.5 million project funded by the World Bank would be piloted in 51 communities and would involve providing the people with sustainable alternative livelihood, adoption of climate smart practices and strong extension service support to farmers.

It is targeting those whose activities pose danger the climate – illegal chainsaw operators, charcoal burners, illegal small-scale miners and farmers.

Known as Ghana Dedicated Grant Mechanism (G-DGM) project, it is being implemented by Solidaridad West Africa – a development agency, promoting sustainable food and energy.

Mr. Bossman Owusu, the Agency’s Knowledge Management Specialist, announced that in excess of 11,000 were expected to benefit.

He broke the news at the closing session of a five-day training workshop on climate change, forest investment programme and reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) processes.

It was designed to help key stakeholders from the beneficiary communities to have better understanding of the linkage between their activities and climate change.

He indicated that sub-grants would be given to the communities to safeguard and promote sustainable management of the natural resources.

There would also be financial rewards for soil and water conservation, biomass coverage, reduction of carbon emissions, climate proofing agricultural investments.

Mr. Owusu said the unique feature of the project was that the local communities would have full oversight responsibility for its success.

Source: GNA