EcoCare Ghana and Tropenbos Ghana, implementers of the Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN) Project in the Transition Landscape, have recognized some community members and district-level stakeholders for their pivotal roles in the project’s success.
The four-year project, funded by the European Union under the GCA+ initiative, has significantly improved smallholder farmers’ livelihoods, enhanced biodiversity conservation, reduced carbon emissions, and strengthened community resilience against climate change.
Handing Over for Sustainability
As the project nears its conclusion in a few months, EcoCare and Tropenbos Ghana organized a handing-over ceremony to transfer the project’s interventions and resources to the three established Landscape Management Boards (LMBs), and also honored partners and individuals who have contributed to the project’s success. The event was held at Akumadan, in the Offinso North District, on November 27, 2024 was attended by some key beneficiaries, Government Agencies, District Assembly representatives, Traditional rulers and other non-state actors.
These LMBs were formed to establish a robust governance structure that would ensure continuous monitoring, community ownership, and sustainability of the project’s interventions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Gyau Peprah, Chairperson of the Techiman LMB, emphasized that the involvement of managerial roles in the LMBs would secure the long-term success of the initiative. “The Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) approach has fostered inclusive decision-making and collaboration, equipping communities to better manage their environment,” he noted.
Project Highlights and Achievements
Mr. Enock Okyere, Project Officer at EcoCare Ghana, highlighted the project’s achievements over the past four years. Implemented across 60 communities in six districts, the project provided diverse support to smallholder farmers. Among them are Climate-Smart Agricultural (CSA) training, additional livelihood interventions, financial independence and literacy training, and the creation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) among others.
To support Ghana’s climate change mitigation efforts, the project established tree nurseries in each community, leading to the planting of 535,867 trees by 3,557 farmers on 5,539 hectares of land. “The LEAN Project’s impact is immense. As we exit, our goal is to equip the LMBs to manage the landscape sustainably,” Mr. Okyere stated. Each LMB was given a seed capital of five thousand Ghana Cedis and a laptop to support their work.
Mr. Kwame Sekyere, Project Officer of Tropenbos Ghana, also commended the communities and Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) for their commitment. “Your dedication has been invaluable. Future projects in the Bono East and Ashanti Regions will undoubtedly involve you,” he added.
Honoring LEAN Project Champions
The event also celebrated individuals and agencies that made significant contributions to the project. Citations of honour were presented to outstanding contributors, including Madam Agnes Mensah of Bonsua in the Offinso Municipal Assembly.
“I never expected this recognition,” Madam Mensah said emotionally. “I have always given my best without expecting anything in return. This honour highlights the growing role of women in promoting environmental sustainability. I hope it inspires more women to adopt sustainable farming practices.”
Nana Ameyaw Yeboah II, Chairperson of the Nkoranza Landscape Management Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of the LMB executive members. He reiterated the importance of the LMBs in sustaining the ILM approach and thanked EcoCare Ghana and Tropenbos Ghana for their support.
A Call for Continued Support
Madam Adu Boahen, representing the Forest Services Division (Regional Office, Bono-East Region), praised EcoCare Ghana and Tropenbos Ghana for their dedication to the project and its beneficiaries. She urged for continued support for the LMBs beyond the LEAN Project’s conclusion.
“As part of the integrated landscape management approach, we will continue to support the LMBs. The task now is to manage the landscape effectively to combat climate change and promote sustainable development,” she affirmed.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter in local landscape governance, with communities ready to lead sustainable environmental management.
Among the institutions honoured were the Bono-East Regional Forest Services Division, the Bono-East office of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture in all 6 District Assembly. A citation of honor was also given to Rev. Jonathan Obour-Wiredu, the Deputy Regional Manager (FSD, Bono-East Regional Office) for his outstanding support in community mobilization and forest conservation.
PICTURE GALLERY
