Over 120 residents of the Offinso North enclave have been taken through domestic and simple methods to reclaim degraded lands through climate-smart agriculture practices.

At least the countryside and forests in 14 regions in Ghana are experiencing grave destruction as a result of illegal mining and unstainable farm practices.

The beneficiaries, mostly smallholder farmers in the Offinso North district were educated on environmental preservation and land restoration processes.

Land degradation, illegal mining and old farming methods common in rural areas are raising sustainability concerns.

The situation demands concerted efforts and conscious adaptation methods that protect the natural environment and lives.

World Environment Day celebrated annually serves as a global platform to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment.

SOS GrEEn Project in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has highlighted the commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable development which is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is on the theme “Our land. Our future. We are #Generation Restoration.”

A sensitization and tree planting program was organised for Offinso North residents to discuss local solutions to environmental preservation and how such solutions could be scaled up to contribute to the fight against climate change.

Nathan Asamoah, the United Nations Capital Development Fund Community Development officer in the Ashanti region said, “Our intervention targeted 100 Cash for Work (CfW) beneficiaries in the Offinso North District. Aside from this, we are hoping our education will help participants develop simple yet innovative domestic methods for restoring lost biodiversity".

“This event will create a platform for collaborations and partnerships among participants and agencies, NGOs and local organizations in environmental restoration within this district. As part of it 50 trees have been planted at Akomadan market,” he said.

SOS Trainers, Agriculture Officers, and Environmental and Sanitation Officers educated and engaged participants on the importance of environmental preservation and planted 50 trees to improve the air quality of people in the district.

“The education is very applicable in our homes and on our farms. I have personally realized the things that I was doing and it took time and strength, which I believe with appropriate new methods I can do little to no damage to the land as I farm,” a participant said.