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Empowering Leaders in Landscape Restoration: A Field-Based Learning Experience

by Uncategorised

  • What does it take to restore a landscape, and who leads that change?

For a group of professionals, lecturers, and graduate students, the answer lay far beyond the classroom. It was found in the lived experiences of communities, in the resilience of restored ecosystems, and in the practical knowledge shared on the ground.

A Rocha Ghana recently facilitated a dynamic field-based learning experience to deepen participants’ practical understanding of landscape restoration, as part of an annual conference organized by the University for Development Studies (Nyankpala) and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (Somanya), dubbed the “Training for Professionals and Graduate Students: Collaboration for Landscape Restoration” programme. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in environmental conservation in Ghana.

Participants embarked on a journey to community-led restoration sites in Bonyanto, where four years of active restoration are already reshaping the landscape, and Larabanga, a long-standing model of community engagement with nearly two decades of restoration experience. The visit also included a vibrant community tree nursery in Bonyanto, where local stakeholders are actively nurturing seedlings and strengthening ecosystem resilience.

 

Throughout the experience, participants engaged directly with local practitioners, gaining first-hand insights into the building blocks of successful restoration. Conversations and demonstrations covered critical areas such as site identification, species selection, seed sourcing and propagation, and effective monitoring strategies to sustain ecosystem recovery.

At every stage, one message stood out clearly:

“Restoration efforts are strongest when they are rooted in community leadership and local knowledge.”

More than a field trip, the experience served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world application. By stepping into active restoration sites, participants were able to connect theory with practice in meaningful ways. As they return to their institutions and professional spaces, they carry with them not only technical knowledge but also a renewed appreciation for collaboration between academia, communities, and practitioners as a driver of sustainable impact.

A Rocha Ghana played a central role in facilitating this learning journey, coordinating access to restoration sites and providing technical guidance throughout. Through hands-on demonstrations and open knowledge-sharing, the organisation highlighted practical, community-led restoration models and reinforced the importance of long-term stakeholder engagement in ecosystem management.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate learning experience. It contributes to broader global goals, including SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By equipping participants with the skills and perspectives needed for landscape restoration, the programme is helping to build a network of informed, capable leaders ready to advance sustainable practices across Ghana.
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Nature’s Heartbeat Project Launched in Ghana’s Savannah and Eastern Regions

by News

The Nature’s Heartbeat Project has officially been launched in Ghana’s Savannah and Eastern landscapes, marking a significant step toward strengthening locally led conservation efforts in two of the country’s most important ecological areas, the Atewa Range Forest Reserve and Mole National Park.

This three-year global initiative is led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Netherlands (IUCN NL), in partnership with Armonia Bolivia, A Rocha Ghana, Ecotrust, and NTFP EP, with support from the Dutch Postcode Lottery. The project spans five countries: Ghana, Bolivia, Indonesia, Uganda, and the Philippines. It is designed to promote locally led conservation action through trust-based funding that equips local conservation actors with the resources and flexibility needed to protect their landscapes.

In Ghana, the project is being implemented by A Rocha Ghana, focusing on the Atewa and Mole landscapes due to their critical importance for biodiversity conservation and community livelihoods. These areas remain central to national efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural heritage.

 

Local Organisations at the Forefront

In the Atewa Landscape, civil society organisations, including the Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL), Eco-Conscious Citizens, Gh-Extractives, Environment Report, and Herp Conservation Ghana, together with three Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), Atewa, Atiwa West, and Ayensuano, have been onboarded to lead conservation actions.

In the Mole Landscape, Pure Trust Foundation and four Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), Murugu Mognori, Yazori-Kumbo, BKJ, and Guwado, are spearheading conservation efforts within this biodiversity-rich ecosystem.

Inception meetings held on March 25, 2026 in Kyebi and April 9, 2026, in Damongo brought these organisations together, marking the official start of their collective journey under the Nature’s Heartbeat Project.

A Selection Based on Trust and Commitment

Speaking at the meeting, the National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Dr. Seth Appiah-Kubi, noted that the selection process was rooted in trust and demonstrated impact. According to him, out of over 80 organisations screened, those selected stood out because of their proven commitment to protecting these landscapes.

“Even without prior support, these organisations had already shown dedication to safeguarding the forest and addressing the threats facing the landscape,” he said.

Their efforts “made them a natural choice for the programme,” he added.

A Shared Vision for Nature

In Kyebi, participants expressed a unified vision for the Atewa Landscape, highlighting the importance of global recognition for its ecological value. They reiterated their aspiration for Atewa to be designated as a National Park and committed to developing strategies to protect and restore the forest while eliminating destructive activities.

Similarly, participants in the Mole Ecological Landscape outlined clear expectations for the project’s impact over the next three years. They anticipate meaningful improvements in natural resource conservation, eco-tourism development, governance, and environmental education.

They also stressed the need to significantly reduce illegal activities such as poaching and bush burning, while strengthening the protection of forests and wildlife habitats through improved community patrols and monitoring systems.

Beyond conservation, participants highlighted the importance of enhancing livelihoods through sustainable income-generating activities such as beekeeping, shea butter processing, and craft production. These efforts are expected to reduce dependence on wildlife resources, increase household incomes, and promote inclusive participation of women and youth in local economies.

Looking Ahead

Following the successful launch, participating organisations will begin implementing their proposed activities across the two landscapes, supported by training, resources, and continuous monitoring from A Rocha Ghana.

Through the Nature’s Heartbeat Project, local conservationists are being empowered to transform their commitment into lasting impact, strengthening biodiversity protection while building more resilient communities.
Bioko Putty-nosed Monkey, Gran Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve, Bioko - Justin Jay, The Drill Project

FIRST CALL FOR LETTERS OF INQUIRY IN THE GUINEAN FORESTS OF WEST AFRICA BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT: LARGE GRANTS

by NewsOpportunities
Bioko Putty-nosed Monkey, Gran Caldera de Luba Scientific Reserve, Bioko @Justin Jay, The Drill Project.

Eligible Countries: Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe
Opening Date: Monday, 30 March 2026
Closing Date: Monday, 11 May 2026
Grant Size: Large grants (US$50,000 to US$250,000)

Eligible priorities: Investment Priorities 1.1, 3.1 and 3.2

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), with A Rocha Ghana and Ajemalebu Self-Help (Ajesh) as the Regional Implementation Team (RIT) for the Guinean Forests of West Africa (GFWA) Biodiversity Hotspot, invite civil society organizations working in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia to apply for grants supporting biodiversity conservation in line with the eligible priorities.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ecosystem profile for the GFWA Hotspot, and to contact the GFWA RIT (email: [email protected]) if they have any questions or wish to discuss project ideas.

Detailed instructions, eligibility criteria and selection criteria can be found in the call for letters of inquiry, available below. 

Call for Letters of Inquiry Details

More Information

During April 2026, the RIT will host online Information Sessions regarding this Call for Proposals. The relevant details will be posted to A Rocha Ghana’s social media accounts and on this webpage.

Additional Resources

French Translation
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Galamsey Fight Is Failing: Coalition Against Galamsey Demands Presidential Action

by News

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has raised serious concerns about the state of the country’s fight against illegal mining, warning that the situation is worsening despite earlier signs of progress.

In a press release issued on March 28, 2026, the Coalition highlighted the increasing destruction of forest reserves now affecting over 50 sites and the continued pollution of major rivers, posing significant risks to public health, biodiversity, and water security.

The Coalition is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate and decisive action to address weak enforcement, political interference, and widespread impunity. Key recommendations include resourcing state institutions, halting the issuance of small-scale mining licenses, prosecuting offenders, and strengthening protections for critical ecosystems such as the Atewa and Achimota forests.

Additionally, the statement underscores urgent human rights concerns, including the need to protect environmental defenders and ensure justice in reported abuses linked to illegal mining activities.

GCAG is urging the President to demonstrate strong political will by committing to clear, time-bound actions that will restore accountability and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

See full statement HERE.

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Building Stronger Voices for Safeguards in Ghana’s Extractive Landscapes

by News

Across Ghana’s extractive landscapes, the need for stronger environmental governance and community resilience has never been more urgent.

Under the Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes (BRACE) Project, a recent Third Party Finance Assessment set out to identify civil society organisations (CSOs) best positioned to drive meaningful change and sustain the gains achieved by the project over the years. These gains include strengthened community voices in natural resource governance, improved advocacy for responsible mining practices, and growing collaboration between civil society, communities, and decision-makers to protect biodiversity and livelihoods.

The assessment was designed not just as a selection process, but as a strategic step toward strengthening local action. It evaluated organisations based on their capacity, experience, financial systems, and alignment with BRACE’s core goal of promoting sustainable and equitable natural resource governance.

Identifying Champions for Sustainable Minerals Governance

In the area of sustainable minerals governance, the assessment spotlighted organisations with a strong track record in advocacy, policy engagement, and biodiversity conservation.

Groups such as COMPAD GH, the Africa Centre for Environment and Energy Sustainability (ACEES), and Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL) emerged as key actors. Their work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that extractive activities do not come at the expense of ecosystems or community well-being.

These organisations bring more than experience. They bring influence. With established connections to communities and policymakers, they are well placed to lead dialogue, promote accountability, and push for responsible resource management.

Strengthening Community Leadership in CREMA Landscapes

Equally critical is the role of communities themselves. Within Ghana’s Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), local stewardship remains a powerful tool for conservation.

The assessment identified Eco Trend Foundation Ghana and The Resource Foundation Ghana as strong partners in this space. Both organisations have demonstrated the ability to work closely with communities, supporting the implementation of CREMA management plans and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Their work will help ensure that conservation efforts are not only effective, but also community driven and locally owned.

A Foundation for Impact

The outcome of this assessment goes beyond a shortlist. It lays the groundwork for a coordinated, high impact approach to environmental governance in Ghana’s extractive regions.

By selecting organisations with the right mix of technical expertise, local presence, and community trust, the BRACE Project is investing in solutions that are both practical and sustainable.

At its core, this effort is about people. Communities equipped to protect their environment, organisations empowered to advocate for change, and partnerships that turn vision into action.

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Policy Brief: Constitutional Paradigm Shifts on Environmental Stewardship and Intergenerational Equity in Ghana

by News

Ghana stands at an important moment in shaping how it protects its environment and manages natural resources for future generations. As part of the ongoing constitutional review process, new proposals have been developed to strengthen environmental governance, promote accountability, and ensure that the country’s natural wealth benefits both present and future citizens.

This policy brief explores the environmental recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Committee and what they could mean for Ghana. It highlights key ideas such as treating natural resources as a public trust, strengthening community participation, improving transparency in land and resource management, and recognizing the importance of sustainability and intergenerational equity.

The document also reflects on areas that may need further attention, including stronger enforcement systems, clearer protection for environmental rights, and practical pathways to balance conservation with livelihoods.

Overall, the brief aims to contribute to the national conversation on how Ghana can build a more responsible, fair, and forward-looking framework for managing its environment under a renewed constitution.

See Policy Brief below

POLICY BRIEF- DND
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Fire Education Through Art Inspiring the Next Generation in West Gonja

by News

On 24 January 2026, learning stepped beyond the classroom for 240 pupils from 12 Primary and Junior High Schools across the West Gonja Municipality. Their destination was a striking public artwork in Damongo, a mural that tells an important story about fire, people, and the savannah landscape.

Titled Flames of Duality, the mural is a powerful visual exploration of fire as both a life-sustaining tool and a destructive force. Developed in collaboration with the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society at King’s College London, the artwork was shaped by rich inputs from hunters, herders, farmers, traditional leaders, academics, and government agencies. Together, these voices reflect the lived realities of fire use in Northern Ghana.

Through guided outdoor learning sessions around the mural, the pupils explored how fire is used responsibly in daily life for farming, cooking, and hunting, while also learning about the serious risks posed by uncontrolled bushfires to people, wildlife, and ecosystems. The sessions emphasised a critical message that everyone has a role to play in fire management.

 

The engagement was lively and deeply reflective. The children shared their own experiences, asked insightful questions, and, inspired by what they learned, proudly pledged to become Fire Heroes, young advocates for safe and responsible fire use within their communities.

This activity forms part of ongoing efforts to promote equitable and inclusive fire management in Northern Ghana, blending local knowledge with scientific research to build understanding and resilience.

By using art as a learning tool, Flames of Duality is helping to nurture a generation that understands fire not just as a hazard, but as a responsibility. Together, these young learners are taking meaningful steps toward a safer, more sustainable future for their communities and for the savannah landscapes they call home.

 
Press Release

Press Statement: Commendations to Government for Revoking L.I. 2462; Time to Restore and Enhance Forest Management and Services to Ghanaians

by News

Big news for Ghana’s forests and future generations. After years of advocacy and public pressure, L.I. 2462, the regulation that opened up nearly 90% of our forest reserves to mining, has finally been revoked.

This win is the result of collective action with government leadership, civil society, the media, and thousands of concerned Ghanaians who added their voices demanding change. As a result, Ghana’s forests, biodiversity, and communities have a renewed chance to thrive.

But the work is not over. Forests still face threats from illegal mining, logging, and poaching. Civil society groups are calling on government to strengthen forest protection, restore degraded areas, and ensure that programs like “Tree for Life” deliver real results.

This landmark moment is a step toward sustainable forest management, climate resilience, and securing our natural heritage.

Read the full statement to see the detailed breakdown of what led to this victory and the recommendations for keeping Ghana’s forests safe.

 

To download full statement click HERE

 

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IUCN Members Adopt Motion 104: A Rocha Ghana and Partners Lead Global Call to Safeguard Biodiversity and Human Rights in Energy Transition Minerals Governance

by News

A Rocha Ghana is celebrating a major global win for nature and people following the announcement that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially adopted Motion 104, titled “Safeguarding Biodiversity and Human Rights in the Energy Transition.”

This groundbreaking resolution, led by A Rocha Ghana and supported by conservation allies worldwide, calls on governments, companies, and civil society to ensure that the global shift to renewable energy does not come at the expense of biodiversity or the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

According to the National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Dr. Seth Appiah-Kubi, “The adoption of this motion is a defining moment for conservation justice. The global energy transition must be clean, fair, and respectful of both people and planet.”

“Motion 104 gives us a strong foundation to make that vision real. We’re grateful to all IUCN Members who stood with us and voted for the motion,” he added.

Motion 104

Motion 104 called for the creation of no-go zones for mining in ecologically or culturally critical areas, the protection and participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, transparency and accountability across global mineral supply chains, and the establishment of strong governance frameworks that align the energy transition with biodiversity goals.

Once adopted by IUCN Members, a motion becomes a formal IUCN Resolution, representing the collective position of IUCN’s global membership and guiding its work and influence in shaping international conservation policy. With this adoption, Motion 104 now stands as an official IUCN Resolution, setting a new global benchmark for responsible mineral governance that respects both people and nature.

As the demand for minerals such as lithium, nickel, and copper continues to grow, Motion 104 serves as a timely reminder that a green future must also be a just one.

A Rocha Ghana is proud to have worked alongside an inspiring coalition of co-sponsors and partners who helped bring this vision to life. These include Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme Asia (Philippines), Stop Ecocide International Ltd (UK), Wetlands International (Netherlands), Africa Institute for Energy Governance (Uganda), Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Argentina), Stichting CHIMBO (Netherlands), Forest Peoples Programme (UK), and Natuur & Milieu (Netherlands). This victory is a shared achievement and a clear demonstration that collaboration across continents can shape global environmental policy and advance conservation justice.

 

Voting Results and Global Support

The adoption of Motion 104 received overwhelming support across all categories of IUCN membership, demonstrating a strong global commitment to protecting both people and the planet.

IUCN Members are divided into three main categories for voting purposes. Category A represents states, government agencies, and political or economic integration organizations. Category B comprises national and international non-governmental organizations, while Category C includes Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations.

During the voting on Motion 104, Category A recorded a total of 189 votes, with 140 in favour, 12 against, and 37 abstentions. Categories B and C, which were combined for the process, recorded 776 votes, with 655 in favour, 36 against, and 85 abstentions.

This strong majority across all membership groups underscores a shared recognition that the global energy transition must be guided by justice, biodiversity protection, and respect for Indigenous rights.

In the words of A Rocha Ghana, “This result shows that the global conservation community stands united. We are deeply encouraged that IUCN Members from governments, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations came together to support this vision for a fair and responsible future.”

 

Next Steps

With Motion 104 now adopted as a formal IUCN Resolution, A Rocha Ghana and its partners will continue to raise awareness and build capacity for responsible transition mineral governance in Africa, engage governments and industries to implement the resolution’s provisions, and support Indigenous and local communities affected by mining activities.

This global achievement underscores A Rocha Ghana’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the renewable energy transition protects both people and the planet.