Improve the conservation of threatened tree in the Onepone area in Ghana

Working with communities to improve the conservation status of six threatened tree species in the Onepone protected area in Ghana

Partner: Herp Conservation Ghana
Years: 2023-2025

This project will improve the conservation status of six priority tree species in Ghana through awareness raising efforts, alternative livelihoods for the local communities and the expansion of the existing Onepone Endangered Species Refuge.

This project will improve the conservation status of six priority tree species (Talbotiella gentii – CR, Aubregrinia taiensis – CR, Cola boxianna – EN, Diospyros barteri – VU, Cola reticulata – VU and Cola umbratilis – VU) in Ghana. These species are endemic or near-endemic to Ghana where they occur mostly outside government-protected lands. They, therefore, face several threats including being extracted for fuelwood, logging, removal as part of land clearance to expand farms (slash and burn) and accidental destruction by wildfires. The project will address these threats directly by (1) increasing conservation awareness, (2) developing alternative income sources for the local communities (3) protecting important habitats of the target species through the expansion of existing reserves. The project will be jointly implemented by Herp Conservation Ghana and CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana in collaboration with the Ho West Municipal Assembly and the Ghana Wildlife Division. Project activities will include creating conservation awareness on the plight of the species, establishing fire volunteer groups, establishing community natural resources management groups, and signing conservation contracts to legally protect the target species habitats. The most important project outcome will be the significant expansion of the boundaries of existing community reserves to protect priority habitats for the target species and enhanced conservation awareness among more than 3,000 local people.