Green for Change Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, has launched the Mobilizing Volunteers for Community-Based Natural Resources Management (MOVE-CVN) project funded by Star-Ghana Damongo in the Savannah Region.

The groundbreaking project is a one-year pilot initiative that aims to combat illegal logging and destructive charcoal production while fostering sustainable natural resource management through community volunteerism and forging partnerships for conservation.

As part of the project launch, Green for Change Ghana conducted stakeholder engagement meetings with key partners, including the Savannah Regional Forest Service Division under the Ghana Forestry Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and other relevant agencies.

These engagements were crucial in introducing the project, soliciting stakeholder feedback, and building collaborative support for its successful implementation.

Touching on the significance of the project, the Savannah Regional Deputy Manager of the Forest Service Division of the Forestry Commission, Godwin Agyemang emphasized the involvement of community volunteers as watchdogs to strengthen the Commission in the area of surveillance and curbing illegal activities that are degrading the woodlands and threatening biodiversity.

He said that in protecting natural resources and livelihoods, "the MOVE-CVN project will go a long way in addressing the rampant illegal logging and commercial charcoal production in the region that threatens economically vital tree species such as shea and dawadawa and many others".

"These activities not only degrade the environment but also undermine farm productivity, food security, and local economies including the wanton destruction of our woodlands is not just an environmental crisis but a threat to livelihoods and local economies", Mr Godwin Agyemang bemoaned.

The Executive Director of Green for Change Ghana, John Balankoo Sumbo, stated that "through this initiative, we are empowering communities to become environmental stewards, protecting these resources for future generations”.

He said that from June 2024 to May 2025, the project will empower thirty-two community volunteers across some four communities in the West Gonja Municipality. They include Soalepe, Bonyanto, Achubunyor, and Tailorpe.

According to the Executive Director, the volunteers will collaborate with state agencies to safeguard forests and protect the fragile ecosystem.

"Empowering communities through training following successful community entry and sensitization sessions, thirty-two volunteers were selected through a participatory process involving diverse community groups. They recently underwent a comprehensive three-day training programme in Damongo facilitated by senior forest officers and range supervisors, "the Executive Director explained.

He said that the training covered key topics such as effective community engagement and communication , importance of forests and trees, patrolling off-reserve areas, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) techniques and alternative livelihoods, including honey and shea production.

"Equipping Volunteers for Success to support the volunteers in their critical role as watchdogs, Green for Change Ghana provided them with essential protective gear, including Wellington boots, raincoats, and gloves. The volunteers will work closely with Forest Service Division range supervisors to monitor forest activities, prevent illegal logging, and advocate for sustainable practices. These volunteers are stepping up as environmental heroes for their communities. It’s only right that we equip them with the tools they need to stay safe and effective. "

Mr Sumbo said their efforts will not only protect valuable shea trees and woodlands but also contribute to combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
On stakeholder collaboration, the Executive Director stated that his outfit is proud to be part of a movement that empowers communities to take ownership of their natural resources and aims at building a resilient and sustainable environment as they roll out this pilot project.

One of the participants, Amina Yakubu, expressed her excitement about the training. “This project is a game-changer for our communities. We now understand the importance of protecting our forests and have the skills to take action.”

On his part, the project officer for Green for Change Ghana, Abdul-Gafaru Baba Mumuni, said, "We invite all stakeholders, including community members and state institutions, to join us in this vital effort to protect our natural heritage and combat climate change as we encourage our stakeholders to visit our www.greenforchangeghana.org or following us on LinkedIn and Facebook. Together, we can make a difference. Join us in this vital endeavour to protect Ghana's natural heritage and combat climate change".