Okyeman Nature Conservation and Community...

29870

GHANA

Community-based Integrated Natural Resources Management Project in Okyeman

MEDIUM-SIZED PROJECT BRIEF

(GEF)

OKYEMAN ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION

JULY 2003

PROJECT SUMMARY

PROJECT IDENTIFIERS1. Project name:

Community-based Integrated Natural Resources Management Project in Okyeman

2. GEF Implementing Agency: World Bank

3. Country or countries in which the project is being implemented: Ghana

4. Country eligibility:Ghana is a party to the following international conventions: Convention to Combat Desertification, Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ghana is eligible for World Bank UNDP funding

5. GEF focal area(s): Multi-focal 6. Operational program/Short-term measure: 12

7. Project linkage to national priorities, action plans, and programs:The objectives and expected impacts of the proposed project are consistent with Ghana’s environmental priorities as outlined in the Ghana Forest and Wildlife Policy, the National Environment Action Plan, Biodiversity Action Plan, National Communication for Climate Change, the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy and other planning frameworks. The approach and outcomes of the project will complement the government’s efforts on forest and biodiversity conservation in Ghana, in particular under the World Bank supported Natural Resources Management Project (NRMP) and the two GEF-supported Ghana High Forest Biodiversity Project and the Ghana Northern Savanna Biodiversity Conservation Project . The project has the unique opportunity of demonstrating how traditional concepts of Okyeman resource management can be successfully combined with modern concepts. Such a combination offers a more holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and management, as well as implementation of policies and regulations under which sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and wildlife will continue to provide important sources of alternative livelihoods in addition to food crop farming.

8. GEF national operational focal point and date of country endorsement:Ministry of Environment and Science

PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES9. Project Rationale:

Okyeman (the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area)* is endowed with natural resources of global importance, including diverse terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, endemic and globally threatened fauna and flora. These resources are being destroyed by the adverse impacts of human activities such as deforestation, water pollution, and over-harvesting of wildlife. Recognising the importance of nature and environmental conservation as the basis for the development of their people, the Traditional Authorities are taking concrete steps to prevent further degradation of forest and water bodies in the traditional area. The proposed project will help to expand the scope of these initiatives, thereby optimising their local and global environment benefits and enhance sustainable forestry related economic activities.

* The Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom, (Okyeman in Akan) as it was known before the colonial era, became the "Akyem Abuakwa State" and is currently the "Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area". All four titles are used interchangeably in various documents and fora. In this document, the name Okyeman is used throughout to refer to the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom.

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10. Project Objective and Outcomes

The objective of the proposed project is to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of renewable natural resources in Okyeman through community-based integrated natural resource management approaches.

Indicators:

(a) Degradation of renewable natural resources is minimized

(b) Improved capacity of local institutions and communities to manage natural resources in a sustainable manner.

(c) Increasing benefits to local communities through sustainable natural resource use options

Project Outcomes:The following are the expected project outcomes:

Indicators:

(A) The status of forest and wildlife resources in Okyeman is improved through better management and minimization of current threats

Further degradation of primary forest halted; increasing wildlife populations; decreased incidence of bushfires and activities such as illegal logging and mining.

(B) The forest resources heritage of Okyeman is inventoried, documented and fed into development plans to ensure sustainability of development initiatives

No of community management groups established

Critical Okyeman’s forests and locally important species identified and documented

Up and running natural resource database established

(C) Traditional regulatory systems for natural resources management integrated into governmental policies and regulations.

Requisite by-laws promulgated and enforced by District Assemblies.

List of traditional/indigenous regulations and knowledge for resource use and conservation

(D) An environmental awareness programme focusing on key environmental issues and threats to biodiversity established and being implemented.

Increased awareness about the need to manage natural resources of local and global importance in a sustainable manner.

(E) Local economic development and improved livelihoods.

Increased earnings and other community benefits from alternative livelihood activities

Increased no of farmers adopting more sustainable and improved cultivation practices that promote conservation

11. Project activities to achieve outcomes (including cost in US$ or local currency of each activity):

(A). Status of forest and wildlife resources in Okyeman is improved

Indicators:


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i. Develop and implement management plans for critical forests habitats and key wildlife species

Number and quality of baseline studies completed

Number of management plans developed Reduced numbers of incidence of illegal

exploitation of forest resources Increasing populations of target wildlife

speciesii. Strengthen natural resources management

capacity of local institutions by:

a) Establish coordinating mechanisms and provide relevant infrastructure and equipmentb) Develop local expertise through training workshops and study tours

iii. Support and strengthen the work initiated by the Okyeman Environment Brigades.

iv. Build linkages with Community Biodiversity Advisory Groups and community Forest Committees as well as other community-based nrm groups

(Cost: US$ 197,000)

An adequately equipped and well functioning project coordination office

Up and running Okyeman Environmental Foundation

Key members of the Okyeman Environmental Foundation trained in env. management

Number of local people benefiting from training programmes

Number of units within Okyeman with capacity to manage their natural resources in Okyeman

Sustainable harvesting guidelines for NTFPs and wildlife developed and implemented

Number of community management groups established

Number of active Brigades, activities and events executed successfully by the Brigades

Number of linkages and networks established

Number of joint operations conducted together

(B). Natural resource (especially Forest and biodiversity) heritage of Okyeman is inventoried

i. Identify critical areas including sacred groves and develop plans for their conservation and protection.

Number of critical areas identified and demarcated

Number of plans developed and implemented

ii. Undertake rapid assessment of status of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity in key forest blocks and water systems in Okyeman, with particular focus on species of conservation concern and species with socio-economic and cultural

Health of forest and water systems Number of conservation areas identified Number of species of concern identified


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values; and identify critical habitats and species for targeted conservation action.

iii. Assess the extent of dependence of local communities in Okyeman on natural resources, as basis for defining alternative sustainable use strategies

(Cost US$ 113,000)

Number/Per cent of community members whose livelihood is linked to natural resources

(C). Enhanced local policies and regulationsi. Identify source, assess relevance and

role of indigenous knowledge on traditional conservation strategies practiced in Okyeman and evaluate their effectiveness as conservation tools.

Number of effective indigenous practices proposed and in adoption within Okyeman

Level of knowledge of traditional conservation practices within Okyeman

ii. Prepare an integrated land use plan for Okyeman to guide land-based development initiatives.

Number of land use plans developed and implemented within Okyeman

Number of communities adhering to adopted land use plans

iii. Enhance the local planning and regulatory framework for natural resources management and use through support for enactment of appropriate local by-laws in selected pilot communities to reinforce local regulations and indigenous strategies

(Cost: US$ 50,000)

Number of gazetted local by-laws regulating access to and use of land and forest resources in Okyeman developed and implemented in selected communities

Integrated natural resource development plan for Akyem Abuakwa.

(D). Capacity Building and Environmental Awareness Raising

i. Undertake needs analysis of requirements for environmental education and public awareness materials

Report outlining environmental education needs in Okyeman

ii. Produce and disseminate environmental education/awareness materials and distribute widely within Okyeman

Numbers and types of environmental education materials produced

iii. Implement an environmental education program focusing on schools and community groups, focusing on threats to natural resources.

Number/Per cent of community members showing increased awareness of environmental issues as evidenced by assessments undertaken at start and end of project

Number of local first and second cycle institutions incorporating environmental education into their curriculum


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iv. Mount campaigns on bushfires, illegal logging and mining, game meat exploitation in relation to endemic and threatened species.

Cost: US $92,000

Reduced number of incidents of illegal activities

Per cent curtailment of hunting of endemic and threatened species achieved

(e). Local Economic Development and Improved Livelihood

i. Identify and strengthen vulnerable groups e.g. Women, youth, disabled etc

ii. Identify and support innovative sustainable natural resource use options, based on results of activities B (iii) and C (i) above.

iii. Demonstrate best natural resources management practices and disseminate lessons widely throughout Okyeman.

iv. Support small scale income generating activities to reduce pressure on the natural resources and enhance livelihood sources of people living around protected reserves

v. Promote ecotourism ventures that encourage local community involvement.

vi. Establish arboreta

(Cost: US223, 000)

Increased access to resources Access to basic facilities improved.

Number of communities replicating best management practices.

The number of viable small scale enterprises being implemented that are compatible with the project’s objectives

Increased income and benefits to local people

Number of viable small-scale enterprises developed

Improved incomes and benefits to local people.

Level of visitation by tourists to the project area;

Trends in income derived from ecotourism and related activities by local communities

Number of arboreta established.

(F) Project Management, Coordination, Monitoring and evaluation

i. Survey instrument for baseline studiesii Performance Measurement Frameworkiii Internal and external auditingiv Produce Project progress reportv Produce periodic financial reportvi Produce final report

(Cost: US 173,000)

Up and running PMU/Secretariat Qualified project staff recruited Procurement and disbursement flows done

on time M&E system designed, installed and

operational Number trained and using M&E system Socio-economic database established and

used in tracking progress and impact Up and running PMF for community

monitoring Audit reports submitted on time and in good

quality Number of reports (quarter, biannual and

annual) generated


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Number and quality of financial reports generated

Report generated

Total USD 848,000.00

12. Estimated budget (in US$ or local currency):PDF: N/AGEF: US$848,000Co-financing: US$629,000 (cash and in-kind)TOTAL: US$1,477,000

INFORMATION ON INSTITUTION SUBMITING PROJECT BRIEF13. Information on project proposer:

The King has established a secretariat to manage all development projects of the Kingdom. This outfit is staffed by three (3) Development and Management Practitioners, one (1) Finance Manager, one (1) Accounts Clerk, one (1) Administrative Assistant and two( 2) Typists.The Okyeman Environmental Foundation, which was established in June 2000 by the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, with the overall goal of managing the rich natural resources of Okyeman in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the present and future generations operates under this unit. The Foundation aims to mobilize and educate the people of Akyem Abuakwa on the need for the preservation of their natural heritage and ensure that human activities are environmentally friendly. Since its establishment, the Foundation has launched annual week-long environment campaign to coincide with the Word Environment Day. The Foundation has also established community Environment Protection Brigades charged with the responsibility of enforcing the policies and regulations regarding forest protection, protection of water bodies from pollution, enforcement of wildlife laws, as well as safeguarding the environmental health and sanitation in the traditional area.

14. Information on proposed executing agency:

14(a). Same as above.

14(b). Collaborating institutions: The Ghana Wildlife Society: The Ghana Wildlife Society is one of the largest local non-governmental, non-political, nature conservation organisations in Ghana. The mission of the Society is to conserve wildlife in all its forms (plants and animals) to ensure a better environment and improved quality of life for all people.

Ghana Forestry Commission: The Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC) was established by an Act


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of Parliament (Act 571) in 1999 as a body corporate. The GFC is responsible for the regulation of the utilization of forest and wildlife resources, the conservation and management of those resources and the coordination of policies related to them. It is mandated with the responsibility to regulate the utilization of forest and timber resources and the nation’s forest reserves and protected areas; assist the private sector and the other bodies with the implementation of forest and wildlife policies; and undertake the development of forest plantations. There are four divisions created under the Commission – Forest Service, Wildlife, Timber Industry Development, Finance and Administration.

Environmental Protection Agency: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established by Act 490 in 1994 as a body corporate and statutorily mandated to regulate the environment in Ghana, set and prescribe standards and guidelines for environmental management and conservation, and enforce compliance of standards and guidelines. As well, the OEF will collaborate with the six (6) district assemblies within the Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom, research institutions under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), especially the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), universities, the Ministries of Lands and Forestry, Food and Agriculture, Environment and Science and private sector organizations, traditional authorities as well as NGOs and community-based organizations.

Contact persons

1. Okyeman Environment Foundation

Baffour Asante Bediatuo,

Okyenhene’s Project Secretariat

P.O.Box AN 7703,

Tel : +233-21-784963/255453

Accra North

Email : [email protected]

[email protected]

15. Date of initial submission of project concept: October 2002

INFORMATION TO BE COMPLETED BY IMPLEMENTING AGENCY16. Project identification number:

17. Implementation Agency contact person: Edward Felix Dwumfour, AFTR4, Natural

Resources Management Specialist, World Bank Ghana Country Office, P. O. Box M 27, Accra,

Ghana. Tel. ++233 21 229681; Fax ++233 21 227887; E-mail: [email protected]

18 Project linkage to Implementing Agency program(s): Project fits with World Bank

Assistance Strategy, Rural Development Strategy and Forestry Strategy; it complements the


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mailto:[email protected]

ongoing multi-donor supported Ghana Natural Resource Management Program and two GEF-

supported Ghana High Forest Biodiversity Project and the Ghana Northern Savanna Biodiversity

Conservation Project.


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1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Project ObjectiveThe objective of the proposed project is to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of renewable natural resources in Okyeman through community-based integrated natural resource management approaches.

1.2 Project Rationale

All over Africa, conservationists are becoming aware of the critical role of local communities in natural resource management. It is now widely acknowledged that the success and long-term sustainability of conservation initiatives depend on support and acceptance of such interventions by the local communities. It is also clear that local people will only support conservation initiatives if they see concrete benefits and improvements to the quality of their lives.

Until very recently, nature conservation in Ghana was seen as the responsibility of the State; protected areas were established without the consent of communities who owned the lands and people living in and around conservation areas were moved out and kept out of such areas. Local communities were neither involved in the management of their natural resources nor benefited from protected area management. Nevertheless, it is common knowledge that rural Ghanaians depend to a large extent on natural resources for food, shelter, health, livelihoods and many other aspects of their existence. As a result, forest lands continue to be degraded, grasslands are overgrazed, most wild animal species are becoming increasingly threatened by the demand for bushmeat, and the local populations who depend on wildlife resources are becoming poorer and poorer.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which aims to “ eradicate poverty in Africa and place African countries, both individually and collectively on a path of sustainable growth and development, clearly acknowledges that a healthy and productive environment is a pre-requisite for Africa's development. The government and people of Ghana, like many other countries in Africa, are determined to reduce poverty and increase livelihood sources for rural people, hence the development of the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy1 by the current government. The Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy underscores the need to safeguard the natural environment to ensure long-term growth and development, and advocates for implementation of policies that prevent further environmental degradation and ecosystems losses. There is clearly a huge potential for integration of nature conservation with rural development initiatives to generate wealth and ensure the healthy environment that will secure sustainable development.

In 1994, the Government of Ghana revised the country’s Forest and Wildlife policy to encourage and promote community ownership and involvement in the management of forest and wildlife resources. Okyeman, the proposed project area, is one of the few traditional areas in Ghana who have demonstrated commitment to take up a lead role in managing their natural resource heritage for the benefit of their people and the country as a whole.


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Okyeman (the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area)Okyeman lies in the western part of Ghana’s Eastern Region and extends from Jejeti and Kankang in the north to Adeiso in the south-west. The traditional area covers a total of ca. 105,472 ha and has an estimated population of around two million (ca. 10% of Ghana’s population). The communities are rural and mainly farmers. A survey of primary occupation of the people in the area revealed that 72% were engaged in farming, 2% in food processing, 14% in trading, 2% in hunting, 6% in teaching and 2% in other occupations2.

Okyeman is one of the most powerful kingdoms within the Akan traditional system in Ghana comprising 801 towns and villages which are organised into five Divisions (Adonteng - 155 towns and villages; Oseawuo - 288, Nifa - 113, Benkum - 218 and Gyasi - 27). The traditional system of government in Okyeman is one of the most sophisticated in Ghana, with a government structure made up of the King (Okyenhene) and three councils of elected chiefs, sub-chiefs, councilors and elders. The Councils correspond to the executive, state and county councils of western government.

Okyeman’s natural resource heritageOkyeman is one of the richest areas in Ghana in terms of natural resources, including mineral resources, forest estate and biodiversity. It is home to the country’s largest state-owned diamond firm. At a point in time, there were 27 gold and diamond concessions in the area. In addition, the area has considerable bauxite and kaolin deposits, which are yet to be exploited.

The historical appellation of Okyeman, “Kwaebibirem” (meaning the dark forest) validates the past extent and condition of forest lands in this traditional area. Even now, Okyeman controls a significant portion of Ghana’s remaining forest. Okyeman lies within the Moist Semi-Deciduous (South-east subtype) forest zone according to


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Eastern Regional Map showing Area of concern for Okyeman Environmental Project.


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Key

Regional Boundary

District Boundary

Shaded Portion are areas of concern for Okyeman namely

Fanteakwa District

East Akyem

West Akyem

Suhum

Birim North

Kwaebebrem

Colours only represent the areas and do not have any special meaning

Hall and Swaine’s forest classification of Ghana3. This forest type is characterised by tall trees (height often exceed 50 m), with an upper canopy consisting of a mixture of deciduous and evergreen species. On isolated hills within this forest type, occurs the Upland evergreen forest, a forest type which is relatively rare and accounts for only 0.3% of the country’s forests.

The Akyem area boasts of a number of forest reserves and numerous sacred groves (patches of forest set aside as sacred and strictly protected by customary laws 4, 5, 6). Two of the forest reserves in the region: Atewa Range Forest Reserve and the Nsuensa Forest Reserve, have global importance in terms of biodiversity.

The Atewa Range Forest Reserves (referred to as Atewa in this document), located near the Kyebi town, comprises two forest reserves: the Atewa Range and the Atewa Range Extension, both of which form a contiguous forest block. Atewa is a Globally Important Bird Area7 and is also one of the 34 sites designated as Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas in Ghana. The Atewa hills are steep sided hills (elevation of 500-700 m) running approximately north to south and to the west of the Accra Kumasi road. These hills constitute the last remains of the Tertiary peneplain that once covered southern Ghana and are characterised by very ancient bauxitic soils. Atewa is an important watershed, designated as a forest reserve in 1926 to: a) protect the headwaters of the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers and their tributaries; b) maintain forest cover on the steep slopes of the hills, thereby preventing excessive erosion, and c) halt shifting cultivation and extension of the boundaries of existing cocoa farms.

Atewa is one of two forest reserves in the country (the other being the Tano Offin Forest reserve) representing the Upland Evergreen forest type and accounts for ca. 30% (17,400 ha) of the forest type. The Upland Evergreen forest is known to be botanically very important in terms of plant species richness and floral diversity; sample plots in the forest type generally provide longer species lists than those in surrounding Moist Semi-Deciduous forest. Plant species within the forest type indicate the sub-montane nature of the type with characteristic herbaceous species, abundant and diverse epiphytic and ground living ferns and a rich floral diversity, which is enhanced by the diverse topography of the hill summits. So far, 656 species of plant have been recorded including 6 black star species (highest conservation priority species of global significance) and 33 Gold star species (see Appendix 1). The forest type has an unusual flora, the bovals (meadows on bauxite outcrops), swamps and thickets are also considered to be unique in Ghana. The floral diversity is further enhanced by the diverse topography of the hill summits while the misty conditions favour unusual flora. The Atewa forests harbour many plant species not found elsewhere in the country 3, 8. The first record of the plant Celtis durandii for Ghana was found in this area.

The Atewa Forest Reserve is also very diverse in faunal species, with high endemism9,

10. A list of faunal species of conservation concern occurring in the Atewa forest is provided in Appendix 1. The biodiversity information currently available for Atewa indicates that there are 460 butterfly species, 126 bird species, 30 species of large mammals, 7 species of small mammals, 16 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibian. These figures are among the highest recorded for any forest site in Ghana, and therefore, in terms of faunal diversity and species conservation, Atewa is one of the most important sites in the country. These data are based on very minimal survey


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effort and most researchers who have worked in the area believe that further intensive study of the reserve would reveal more species. (See appendix 2 for a list of the avifauna and mammalian fauna identified through the surveys.)

Two other important forest blocks in the Akyem area are the adjoining forests of Nsuensa and Mamang forest reserves. The fauna of Mamang has not been studied, Nsuensa is a Globally Important Bird Area based on the avifauna recorded in a rapid survey. The name “Nsuensa” means three rivers; the site encompasses the headwaters and catchment areas of the three streams: Subin, Aboabo and Kadepon, which flow into the Birim river; and includes a number of sacred groves.

The exact number of sacred groves in Okyeman is unknown (but it is common knowledge that almost every village has a patch of sacred forest) and the biodiversity of the groves also has not been studied. Elsewhere in Ghana, evidence of the high botanical value of sacred groves has been documented, for example, Hall and Swaine3

found the only surviving specimens of the inner zone subtype of the dry semi-deciduous forest as well as the southern marginal forest types in sacred groves. In many areas, sacred groves constitute the only remnant forest amidst severely degraded forest and farmlands. Thus, despite the small sizes of sacred groves, they constitute a matrix of biotic islands with great potential for conservation of remnant floral and faunal communities. More importantly, they represent a traditional conservation system that local communities believe in and can identify themselves with, and any investments to enhance the protection of these areas would be worthwhile.

Freshwater resourcesThe Akyem Abuakwa forests serve as a source and/or constitute the entire or part of the catchment of three major rivers: Birim, Ayensu and Densu, as well as a large number of tributaries of these rivers. These rivers provide water sources for people in the entire area, therefore the survival of the people is interlinked with the survival of these rivers. Apart from the local importance, the Densu River is the source of water for half of the Accra Metropolitan Area. The biodiversity values of these rivers have not been well studied and/or documented, but all the rivers are known to be important sources of freshwater fisheries, particularly Ciclids and Clarids, for riverine communities.

Degradation of river catchments from agriculture and human settlements is a common problem in Ghana and all the river sections that run through population centres are exposed to serious pollution problems. Studies along the Densu show that various forms of materials drain into the river as a result of discharges from agricultural activities, human settlement, mining, industrial and other commercial activities. This has resulted in physical water quality deterioration from source to mouth.

Threats to Okyeman’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystemsHistorically, renewable natural resources have in part been the basis of Ghana’s socio-economic development and today, remain the primary source from which local communities make their living. Therefore like many other areas of country, the renewable natural resources of Okyeman, comprising forests harbouring a wide variety of globally important and unique flora and fauna, nationally important freshwater ecosystems, and diverse mineral and timber resources play a major role in the economic, religious, and cultural life of the Akyem people. These important


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resources, however, are under threat from human-induced pressures, including over-exploitation and habitat degradation. This is because the local population depend on this same natural resources for their livelihoods. In addition to major economic activities like logging, mining and hunting, the local population who are mainly farmers use slash and burn farming methods for both cash and food crops grown under the bush fallowing land shifting cultivation system. In addition, crops that previously had little commercial value are gaining economic importance thus forcing farmers to intrude onto protected lands. Examples are oil palm, citrus and pineapple production. New generation farmers who need additional lands increase pressures on available farmlands and moved on to encroaching on forest reserves. The main economic activities that threaten the natural resources of Okyeman are farming, illegal logging, illegal mining operations and uncontrolled hunting.

Farming is by the slash and burn methods, with both cash and food crops grown under the bush fallowing and shifting cultivation systems. The average farm size of farmers is 3.50 ha2. Major crops produced include yam, plantain, cassava, maize, cocoyam, cocoa, oil palm, citrus and pineapple. With the slash and burn system, primary and secondary forests are cleared for cultivation, most standing trees cut down and burned, before the crops are planted, resulting in considerable forest degradation and loss of biodiversity. Unfortunately due to poor farming practices farmers tend to complain of inadequate farmland. However the continuous slash and burn cultivation practice, which use to be practicable due to the small population sizes is no longer suitable for today’s expanding rural population. Even hill slopes are farmed and in Atewa, severe degradation of the lower slopes from farming activities is evident, with abandoned farms at various sites.

Illegal logging and mining pose major threats to biodiversity conservation in the area. Okyeman has a long history of economic dependence on the forest through timber and several timber concessionaires operate in the area. Economic trees in the area include species such as odum (Milicia excelsa), wawa (Triplochiton scleroxylon), African walnut and African redwood. The logging is not restricted to forests outside reserved lands, for example in Atewa, the last official logging was recorded in 1991, but illegal logging still continues and the impacts of logging are evident. The number of chainsaw operators has been increasing since the mid 1980s and is now very common. The timber removed by chainsaw operators is carried from the forest to accessible points by the roadside where they are loaded onto trucks. A recent estimate indicates that there may be as many as 500 chainsaw operators in the Atewa reserve, with around 2,500 young men working as operators and lumber carriers.

Gold prospecting and illegal gold mining are also evident in the Okyeman forests. Atewa is known to have substantial gold and bauxite deposits, although the bauxite deposits are considered to be of low grade whilst the threat of bauxite mining has been intermittent, it still poses a potential threat to the reserve since the development of better mining technology might make it economically viable.

Bushmeat constitute a major source of animal protein in most rural communities in Ghana. Certain species are considered a delicacy and are preferred over domestic meat while others are eaten as part of certain traditional rites. All varieties of wild animals are accepted as comestible, resulting in serious overexploitation that has led


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to very low population levels of all large mammal species. Large mammals in forest reserves and farmlands constitute an important protein source for the communities living along the fringes of the reserve. Interviews with the farmers and hunters around Atewa showed that as many as thirteen out of the 30 species of large mammals recorded in the reserve are regularly hunted as bushmeat, the rest being so rare that they do not feature in the hunter’s regular catch. In addition to the bushmeat, the area is well known for other non-forest timber products (NTFP’s) such as mushrooms and snails, which are heavily collected when in season and are sold at various points along the Akyem section of the Accra- Kumasi road.

Thus the Okyeman situation is a clear case of a traditional area with rich natural resources that are threatened by misuse and ineffective management, where national governmental efforts have not been able to contain the situation**, and where the traditional authorities are keen to protect the resources for the survival of their people, but currently lack the capacity to be effective. As a result, the current Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has become one of the few traditional leaders in Ghana to take concrete action to recognise the importance of nature and environment conservation as the basis for the development of his people.

The current Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, is very committed to environmental conservation and is one of the few traditional leaders in Ghana who has taken concrete action to recognise the importance of nature and environment conservation as the basis for the development of his people. In June 2000, the Okyenhene established the “Okyeman Environment Foundation”, a charitable organisation devoted to conservation and development. The Okyenhene has personally pledged to prevent further degradation of forest and water bodies in his kingdom, protect flora and fauna and support the sustainable development of his people through eco-tourism development and other nature-based ventures. He has also promoted the formation of CEBPS in all districts within the Kingdom to virtually police illegal logging activities as part of his conservation strategies. However to be able to sustain these efforts it will be necessary to provide alternative sources of incomes to the population whose livelihoods are grossly linked to the forest and its natural resources. The King has therefore initiated a number of programs to improve environmental management, including the establishment of the Okyeman Environment Foundation, a charitable organisation devoted to conservation and development that will play a catalytic role in bringing together traditional institutions, national and local government units, community groups, etc to work together to address environmental issues affecting Okyeman.

Although these initiatives, being implemented through the Okyeman Environment foundation, have been successful, they are limited in scope because of financial constraints. GEF support, therefore, would help to expand the scope of these initiatives, thereby optimizing their local and global environment benefits. Given the importance of the King of the Okyeman in the Akan traditional system, the success of

** Both Atewa and Nsuensa are forest reserves under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Services Division (FSD) of the Ghana Forestry Commission. Several attempts have been made at various points in time by the FSD to improve the management of Atewa, due to its importance for biodiversity, including accessing a GEF PDF A grant to enable definition of Atewa's management needs, but illegal activities in these reserves still continue.


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this initiative will have magnification that would impact on many traditional areas, serving as a model for others to follow. This, in turn would result in considerable gains in terms of biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction in Ghana.

1.3 Baseline Actions

As noted above, a number of activities have been initiated under the auspices of the Okyeman Environment Foundation to address environmental problems facing Okyeman. These baseline actions include the following:

(a). Environmental Education Program: The program is aimed at raising awareness among various stakeholder groups of the importance of enhancing environmental protection. A number of materials have already been developed, including billboards placed on major roads in over 90 towns and villages and leaflets. This project is ongoing.

The highlight of the environmental campaign is the annual environment week and environment awards. The Okyenhene has instituted an Environment Week, which coincides with the World Environment Day on June 5. During this week the king personally tours several towns and villages to raise environmental awareness. As an incentive to communities and individuals, the King has instituted the following annual awards: (i) Environment Town of the Year, (ii) Environment Town Chief of the Year; (iii) Environment School of the Year; and (iv) Brigade of the Year.

In addition to the recent efforts by the Okyenhene outlined above, the Ghana Wildlife Society has carried out environmental education and awareness raising in schools within the Eastern region since the early 1990s when the Wildlife Clubs movement was introduced in the country. To date, there are 114 clubs in the region with 50% of this number in Okyeman. The Society’s Education Unit Teams undertake regular visits to schools to give talks on environmental issues, organizes training for Teachers who are Club Leaders and annual camps for the Club members.

b) Community Environment Protection Brigade (CEPB): The CEPB is a community-based voluntary organization established to provide an avenue for direct participation of local communities in environmental protection. One hundred and forty communities have already established CEPBs with a total of 1400 members. The mission of the Brigades is to protect and preserve Okyeman’s natural endowment and to ensure that human activities are environment friendly. Over 60 vehicles have been confiscated with an estimated value of 500 million cedis worth of lumber. The Brigades' responsibilities and activities include: Forest protection (stop and prevent illegal tree felling, prevent and fight bush fires,

prevent illegal farming within forest reserves and promote tree planting)-to date, 61 truck loads of timber estimated at $70,000 have been confisticated to the state;

Protection of water bodies (prevent farming along river banks and streams, prevent waste dumping, enforce “no settlement along river banks” rule and educate against and enforce “the no chemical fishing” rule);

Wildlife protection through enforcement of hunting laws, and Activities to promote sanitation and environmental health.


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c) Biodiversity Inventories: In the 1980s and early 1990s, various researchers carried out studies in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve to document the importance of the area for biodiversity. More recently, the Ghana Wildlife Society undertook a rapid survey in selected parts of the reserve to establish the ornithological importance of site and this led to the designation of the site as critical for naturally occurring bird populations, hence the designation of the site as an Important Bird Area. Another survey was carried out to establish the status of mammals and hepertofauna in the forests. The information obtained from these rapid assessments informed the process of designating Atewa as a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area. Although very useful in terms of providing baseline information, these studies have been limited in scope and coverage because of funding limitations.

1.4 GEF Alternative Actions

The Okyeman Environment Foundation has laid a strong foundation for environmental protection through its environmental awareness programs and the work of the CEPBs. However, to enhance the local and global environment benefits of these efforts the Foundation needs to expand the scope of its activities. GEF support would, therefore, help to enhance the positive impacts of the global environment of the locally initiated baseline activities. The GEF alternative would expand the baseline activities to cover the following major areas – (a) improving the management of forest and wildlife resources by strengthening local community capacity; (b) inventory of renewable natural resources especially forest and species of economic importance to the local community, (c) local policy and regulatory reforms; (d) environmental awareness programs; and (e) Provision of alternative livelihood to local communities who economic well being will be affected by proposed conservation efforts. (f) Develop monitoring and evaluation indicator to guide the implementation of the above project activities.

1.5 Public Involvement Plan

Effective participation of various stakeholder groups has been very central to the efforts of the Okyeman Environment Foundation to improve environmental management. The Community Environment Protection Brigades, for example, have provided an effective mechanism for local communities to participate directly in environmental protection activities. The essential roles that local communities have played will continue under the project through their participation in the steering committee, policy formulations, field-level activities, etc. Under this project, the process would be further consolidated to include all relevant stakeholders as outlined in Table 1 below:

Stakeholder Representative Stake Rank*Forestry Commission District Forest Manager /

Range StaffManagement of forest resources

1

Ghana Wildlife Society Remote Conservation of flora and fauna

1

District Assemblies East/West Akim Sustained benefit flow from management of forest.

1


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The Akim Abuakwa Traditional Council

Nominee of Ofori Panin Stool

Management, ownership and benefit flow from management

1

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Regional EPA office Maintenance of environmental integrity

1

Alienation holders Farm owners/representatives

Ownership / farming rights. Benefit flow.

2

Forest Fringe Communities Villages around the reserves

NTFPs; benefit flow 2

Environmental Protection Agency

Remote (Regional) Compliance with national environmental standards

2

Minerals Commission Remote (Regional) Exploitation of gold and bauxite

3

Admitted farmers Farmers / representatives Farming; ownership; need for fertile land

3

Ghana Water Company, Ltd. GWCL, Kibi Perpetual flow of Densu and Birim Rivers

3

Hunters / NTFP gatherers Hunters, etc from fringe communities

Hunting and collection of prescribed NTFPs

3

Department of Feeder Roads Remote Shortest possible roads linking communities

3

The Volta River Authority Remote Power transmission network

3

Police and Judiciary Police Service, Kibi Enforcement of forest laws

3

*Stakeholder interest (importance) is ranked 1, 2 and 3 (i.e. high, medium and low, respectively).


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1.6. Sustainability and Replication

The proposed project activities can be sustained and replicated because the project concept is homegrown, thus has strong local ownership being spearheaded by all chiefs of the traditional council. The proposed project is one of many development projects, which will be coordinated in a coherent manner to ensure effective utilisation and management of natural resources within the Kingdom. The AATC secretariat, which has responsibility for ensuring integrated development in a sustainable manner, will play a long-term oversight role and provide continuous support in monitoring and evaluation of progress and impact of the project. The Ghana Wildlife Society, an internationally acclaimed NGO, will continue to support natural resources management, conservation education and wildlife club activities during project implementation and long after the project has been completed. The participation of public and private sector organizations, capacity building foreseen in the project and the effective institutional framework to be established under the project will ensure that institutional linkages are sustained and the project’s outcomes and impacts are spread to all segments of society in the traditional area and beyond.

The introduction of alternative livelihood activities, which will provide local communities with options to reduce their dependence on the forests and its resources will reduce pressures on the forest lands thus contributing to a sustainable conservation effort. The project will seek to examine the importance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and how the harvesting can turn local residents into managers of resources in the forest.

Finally, as indicated above, the important status of the Okyenhene in the Akan traditional system greatly increases the likelihood of concepts embraced by the Okyeman becoming a model for other traditional leaders to follow. It is worth noting that the lessons and experiences from the Okyeman traditions are already benefiting some government sectors. The Okyeman has traditionally maintained a Lands Office, this has been in existence for over ninety years and has recently been transformed into the Okyeman Lands Commission. The model is being explored by the Ghana Ministry for Lands and Forestry as a possible model for other traditional areas, within the context of the government's proposed policy of reverting stool lands to the full management and control by traditional authorities. It is worth noting also that the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, currently chairs the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency council, the Ghana Forestry Commision and the Management Board of the Plantation Development Fund.

1.7. Global Environment Benefits

The proposed project would result in multiple global, national, and local environment benefits, within the context of sustainable development. These benefits would include: (a) conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity; (b) prevention and/or control of pollution of major river systems from illegal mining activities and domestic waste; (c) prevention and/or control of degradation of watersheds through unsustainable land use practices; (d) minimization of carbon emission from shifting agriculture and the use of inefficient wood stoves; (e) improvement in carbon sequestration through improvement of vegetation cover; (f)


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provision of alternative economic livelihoods for communities in the traditional area; (f) rise in community awareness levels in environmental management and conservation

2. PROJECT COMPONENTS

Improving Management of Forest and Wildlife Resources

The aim of this component is to enhance the status of forest and wildlife resources in Okyeman through better management and strengthening of the capacity of local institutions, local government units, and community groups to collaborate to conserve renewable natural resources in an integrated manner. Activities to be implemented under this component would include development and implementation of management plans for critical habitats including sacred groves, water-bodies, etc, and species of conservation concern. NTFPs and wildlife are important sources of local income especially for women and the youth. There is a need to document the volumes, values, threats to supply, etc. of all such products and to involve all collectors in developing guidelines for the sustainable harvesting of such products. Activities, which will begin in the Atewa Forest Range Reserves, will involve CEPBs already established in Apapam and surrounding communities.

The management interventions will also address the threats and root causes for biodiversity loss. Other activities under this component will include, expansion of the Community Environment Protection Brigade from 140 to 1500 to cover all towns and villages in Okyeman, development of institutional mechanisms to facilitate co-management of natural resources, establishment of co-ordination mechanisms and units to facilitate project implementation and training for local organisations. CEPBs and community members will also be trained in alternative livelihood activities to provide them reliable sources of incomes.

The project will support the promotion of better links among all interest groups, particularly between staff of the Ghana Forestry Commission, Ministry of Lands and Forestry, CEPBs and the Community Biodiversity Advisory Group (CBAG) established and operational under the ongoing GEF-supported High Forest Biodiversity Project.

Forest and Biodiversity Resources Inventory

The aim of this component is to determine the extent of coverage of forests within Okyeman, document the status of biodiversity in key forest blocks to provide the baseline information necessary for planning the conservation, management and sustainable use of these resources. Activities to be implemented under this component will include identification and demarcation of critical habitats, and documentation of the distribution and status of critical ecosystems (forests, water bodies, etc.) within Okyeman, including state forest reserves and sacred groves. The project will support rapid assessment of status of biodiversity in key forest blocks with emphasis on


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species of conservation concern and species with socio-economic and cultural values, and documentation of the extent of dependence of local communities in Okyeman on natural resources.

Policy and Regulatory Reforms at the Community Level

This component is aimed at updating local policies and regulations concerning the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Activities to be supported under this component include documentation of indigenous knowledge and traditional conservation systems and evaluating their effectiveness as conservation tools; review of existing local policies and regulations, identification of gaps, and updating them for approval by traditional authorities, District Assembly, etc. This component would also support the updating of zoning and land use plans for Okyeman as well as formulation of local by-laws that will regulate access to biodiversity resources and re-enforce traditional conservation strategies.

Capacity Building and Environmental Awareness Raising

The project will strengthen private, in this case the traditional, sector input into national management programmes of protected and unprotected natural resources, train rural stakeholders in management and enforcement techniques. Clearly, the challenge for the OEF is to identify and train local personnel to be effective resource managers that command the respect of rural communities. In addition to providing farmers with sustainable, alternative farming practices a communication network that enlightens all segments of the Okyeman society regarding the management of all land will be developed. Extension materials including booklets, posters and media broadcasts will be produced locally where possible. Community-based and enforcement programmes will build capacity and project training and outreach programmes will help consolidate their effectiveness.

The objective of this component is to raise awareness among diverse stakeholder groups on the ecological, economic, and social importance of protecting the environment for local and global benefits. The component would support activities such as the formation of wildlife clubs and environment groups in schools and communities, development of environmental education curriculum for first and second cycle institutions and outreach materials including, audiovisual materials customized for specific target groups. The message for the education programme will focus on the key threats to forests and wildlife resources such as bushmeat over-exploitation illegal logging and mining, farming along river banks, slash and burn agriculture, etc. Special campaigns will be mounted to halt such activities that impact adversely on biodiversity.

Improvement and Support for Livelihood Sources and Sustainable Use Options

This component would explore and support sustainable use options including eco-tourism ventures that would contribute to improving livelihood sources for the local communities. Alternative livelihood sources and small-scale income generation activities for communities living around protected forests will also be supported, with the aim of reducing the pressure on forest reserves. The component will identify and


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support demonstration of natural resource management practices that provide sustainable alternative to ecologically destructive practices. Management activities to be demonstrated would include conservation and sustainable use of fish, wildlife, forest products, and the use of energy efficient stoves. Special emphasis would be given to management practices and technologies developed by national scientific research institutions and indigenous knowledge. These demonstration projects would help to facilitate wider replication of management practices and technologies not only in Okyeman, but also throughout Ghana.

Training programmes will be funded for farmers to learn cultivations/propagation practices for alternative crops (fruit trees, spices, roots/tubers, rattan, medicinal plants other NTFP such as snails and grass cutters) and how to apply such knowledge in their communities.

3. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS

(a) Project Implementation

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council (AATC) is the highest political body of the kingdom. It has a secretariat, which represents the King’s office. The AATC is chaired by the King or Okyenhene. The secretariat will provide oversight and help with the overall coordination and management of the project. The Okyeman Environment Foundation (OEF), which is located at the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council Secretariat will have overall responsibility for the implementation and coordination of the project with technical input and support coming from the Ghana Forestry Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, the Ghana Wildlife Society (GWS) and other private sector organizations. The OEF will be provided technical support by research entities under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the country’s universities. A Project Manager will be appointed to be responsible for the daily administration, coordination and management of the project. He/She will report to the OEF.

The Okyeman Environment Foundation was established in June 2000 by the Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin*to consolidate the gains made by his ancestors from the early traditional conservation practices, and to restore what used to be the “dark forest”. The overall goal, apart from contributing to environmental preservation and protection, is to develop the rich natural resources of the Okyeman in a sustainable manner in order to enhance the prospects for future Ghanaian generations to experience and enjoy the beauty and benefits of their natural heritage. It is also envisaged that the work of the Foundation and the benefits to be derived from it shall be replicated in all other areas in Ghana with similar environmental interest. Among others, the Foundation specifically seeks to:

promote, cultivate, sponsor, develop, aid and advance the public interest in and appreciation of environmental and natural resources preservation and protection;

*** The Foundation is governed by a ten-member Board of Trustees chaired by the Okyenhene. The Board includes high profile citizens as well as people with considerable environmental, legal, business and financial expertise.


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sponsor and assist organizations involved in environmental and natural resources preservation, education and planning;

sponsor and assist individuals in the study of the environment, ecology and the sustainable use of natural resources through scholarships, grants and bursaries; and

sponsor lectures, symposia and workshops and to publish and otherwise disseminate information about the environment and natural resources.

The GWS, which was established in 1991 is the one of the largest non-governmental, non-political, nature conservation organisations in Ghana. The mission of the Society is to conserve wildlife in all its forms (plants and animals) to ensure a better environment and improved quality of life for all mankind. The Society has grown in capacity, with its headquarters in the Accra Conservation Education Centre. The Society currently has 47 full-time staff, supported by a network of more than 500 volunteers. The junior wing of the Society, the Wildlife Clubs of Ghana currently number 950 clubs with a total membership of around 70,000, of which 30 clubs with 1,500 members are based in Okyeman. These clubs have been very instrumental in awareness creation within the Kingdom. The major strategic themes that form GWS’s current focus are education and public awareness, site based biodiversity conservation projects, policy and advocacy programmes. Currently, the Society implements six main projects (Conservation Education in schools and communities throughout the country, Afadjato Community Forest Conservation Project, Amansuri Conservation and Integrated Development Project, a wetlands and water birds monitoring programme, a Marine Turtle Conservation Project and the Important Bird Areas Project), with a total annual budget of around one million US Dollars. With this background, experience and coverage of GWS’s activities in Ghana, the Society is in a very good position to provide the technical input and support that the Okyeman Foundation will require to effectively execute the project.

(b) Project ManagementA multi-stakeholder Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established to provide policy direction and oversight for project implementation, and ensure that donor funds are used solely for the purposes for which they were earmarked. The Committee shall meet at least four times a year. The PSC will be chaired by the Okyenhene or his designate. The Project Manager will be the Secretary to the PSC. Other members of the Committee will include:

One trustee of the Okyeman Environment Foundation; One traditional chief; A representative of the Ghana Wildlife Society; A representative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); A representative of the Ghana Forestry Commission; One representative each from the six participating district assemblies namely;

Kwaebibirem, East Akim, West Akim, Birim North and Birim South;


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One queenmother from the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area; and Two female representatives from women interest groups.

Fig. 1 Organisational Structure of OEF / AATC for Project Implementation

Okyeman EnvironmentalFoundation (OEF)(Project Manager)

Project Steering Committee

Collaborating Government Ghana Wildlife SocietyInstitutions


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© Financial Management System Arrangement

The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council for purposes of accountability has contracted a management consulting firm to provide financial management and procurement services for the Stool and other projects implemented by the Stool. A Financial Management Specialist and Procurement/Communications Specialist have been attached to the King’s Secretariat. An accounting software has been provided to facilitate the processing of transactions and is currently in use for recording activities of the Stool and other projects.

The OEF has assembled a team of procurement specialists to run procurement under the WB-supported Promoting Partnerships with Traditional Authorities Project. This same team will be tasked with the responsibility of coordinating procurement under the CBINRMP. OEF has already trained two (2) staff in the unit in Bank procurement procedures at a recently organized procurement training course.

(d) Project Monitoring and Evaluation

The Okyeman Environment Foundation will prepare detailed monitoring indicators and a performance measurement framework (PMF) to guide project implementation. The PSC will ensure that a robust monitoring system is put in place right at the outset of project implementation that identifies key biological and socio-economic parameters that can be relatively easily monitored to provide a measure of the impact of project’s activities. Local people will be given the requisite training to enable their participation in the biodiversity and socio-economic monitoring. The Project management team will submit semi-annual project performance reports Steering Committee. A mid term review will be organised at the end of the second year of the project and an end o project evaluation in the last month of the project. The OEF will through the Okyenhenes’s Secretariat also submit to the World Bank the requisite progress reports as well as monitoring and evaluation reports.

Local communities will be trained in participatory monitoring processes to enable them measure their own performance as well as the performance of all other collaborating agencies. Training programmes will include evaluation sessions using questionnaires, group evaluation forms and open discussions.

Reporting System: The following reports resulting from monitoring and evaluation activities will be provided as indicated:

Program Implementation Plan (once)Baseline Study (once)Project Monitoring and Evaluation Indicators Project Performance Measuring Framework Annual work plans indicating


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-Narrative of key activities and expected results.-Identification of risks/opportunities affecting the project and potential solutions to be applied to any such challenges.-Schedule and detailed budget for key activities.

Quarterly financial summary reports (financial monitoring) Semi annual and annual progress reports (implementation monitoring) Annual financial reports Annual audited final accounts (external audit)

6. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

The proposed project would be implemented over a three-year period. A detailed Project Implementation Plan (PIP) will be prepared prior to the project becoming effective. A proposed plan of work for major project activities is summarized in Table 2. They include activities such as establishment of the project management office, biodiversity inventories and identification of critical habitats and species to be targeted. Socio-economic baseline studies will be undertaken during the first six to 12 months of project inception. Other activities such as developing strategic partnerships, environmental education and public awareness campaigns will be spread throughout the project life span.

The project implementation would be guided by a logical framework, which is attached in the next page. This framework shall also support the development of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for tracking project performance.


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PROJECT LOGFRAME

Narrative Summary Objectively Verifiable Indicators

Means of Verification Important Assumptions Risks

Objective:To enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of renewable natural resources in Okyeman through community based integrated natural resources management approaches.

Specific ObjectivesA. To improve the status of forest and wildlife resources in Okyeman through better management and minimisation of current threats.

B. To establish Okyeman forest Resources Database

- Minimised degradation of renewable natural resources

- Improved capacity of local institutions and communities for sustainable natural resource management

- Increased benefits to communities from sustainable natural resource options

- Current forest degradation halted

- Current wildlife population increased

- Bushfires decreased- Illegal logging,

lumbering and **** reduced.

- Total forest size in Okyeman mapped out

- Important and endangered species documented

- Critical Habitats identified

- Periodic reports from Okyenhene’s Secretariat

- Forestry Service division annual / bi-annual reports

- Number of existing relevant local institution set up and inaugurated

- A number of community facilities commissioned

- Forestry Services Division Okyeman Secretariat Quarterly Monitoring Reports

- Date analysed and stored in Okyenhene’s Secretariat and GWS/FSD. databases

- Programme support remains unchanged and regular.

- Okyeman Council remains committed.

- Forestry Commission offer support

- Okyenhene’s Secretariat is committed.

- Okyeman Traditional Council offers support.


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Narrative Summary Objectively Verifiable Indicators

Means of Verification Important Assumptions Risks

C. To enhance the development and implementation of local policies and regulations for natural resource management.

D. To establish an Environmental Awareness Programme

E. To improve Local Economic development and improved livelihood

- Number of local bye-laws and regulations developed and approved

- Number of traditional regulatory systems reviewed

- Number of Public campaigns held every 2 months for the planned period

- Number of Bill boards placed at vantage points throughout the Kingdom

- Number of Micro Enterprises related to Forestry organized

- A number if women’s groups united to credit institutions

- Quarterly / Annual reports by Okyenhene’s Secretariat

- District Assembly Annual Reports

- Quarterly / Annual Report

- District Assembly Reports (Quarterly / Annual)

- Bank Reports

- Okyehene’s Secretariat Annual / Quarterly Report

- Traditional Authorities remain commitment

- Development Partners are committed

- Local Political climate remains stable


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Table 2. Summary Implementation Plan for key Project Activities

DURATION OF PROJECT (IN MONTHS) PROJECT - MONTHS

ACTIVITIES 6 12 18 24 30 36Establishment of co-ordinating mechanisms and provision of relevant infrastructure and equipmentPromotion of partnerships between traditional authorities and other groupsDevelopment of local expertise through training workshops and study toursSupporting and strengthening the work initiated by the Okyeman Environmental BrigadesMapping and documentation of current extent of intact forest and distribution/status of protected forests.Rapid assessment of status of biodiversity in key forest blocks in Okyeman Identification of critical forest habitats and key wildlife species that would be targeted for conservation actionDevelopment of management plans for critical forest habitats and key wildlife species Implementation of habitat and species management plans. Survey of extent of dependence of local communities in Okyeman on natural resourcesDocumenting indigenous knowledge and evaluating effectiveness of traditional conservation strategiesPreparation of a land use plan of OkyemanEnhancing local planning and regulatory framework for natural resources management Needs analysis of requirements for conservation education and public awareness materialsProduction and dissemination of environmental education/awareness materialsImplementation of an environmental education program focusing on schools and community groupsImplement campaigns to address threats to forest and biodiversitySmall scale income generating activities enhancing livelihood sources and reduce pressure on biodiversityIdentify and support innovative sustainable natural resource use optionsDemonstrate best natural resources management practices and disseminate lessons widely throughout OkyemanExplore and promote community-based eco-tourism venturesMid-term reviewFinal evaluation


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7. PROJECT BUDGETThe total budget for the project is estimated at US$ 1,477,000. This comprises US$629,000 of investments in cash or kind of baseline actions undertaken by OEF with technical Assistance from GWS and US$ 848,000 of incremental cost requested from GEF. The baseline costs comprises mainly in-kind contribution comprising time inputs by the community environment brigade and wildlife club leaders, land for project offices, as well as management fees that would otherwise accrue to the OEF & GWS. Cash contributions comprise cost of ongoing biodiversity inventory and forest management planning, and schools/community conservation education work currently undertaken by GWS. A summary of the project budget is provided below (Table 3), while Table 4 provides an Input-Output matrix for the incremental cost. An incremental cost analysis/matrix is also provided in Table 5. Details of budgets by output, by year and by funding source are provided in Annex 2-5 (separate excel files).

Table 3. Summary of Project budget

Budget Line BaselineCo-financing

Incremental Cost - GEF

Total

Personnel 371,000* 114,000 485,000Technical Assistance 40,000** 101,000 141,000Equipment, inputs & operational cost

85,000*** 434,000 519,000

Training 48,000* 48,000 96,000Travel 0.0 47,000 47,000Monitoring and evaluation 24,000* 64,000 88,000Miscellaneous 61,000* 40,000 101,000Total 629,000 848,000 1,477,000Percentages 43% 57%

* mainly in-kind contributions ** cash contributions *** partly in-kind & partly cash contribution

Table 4. Input -Output matrix for Incremental Cost (US$' 000)

A. Improved forest & wildlife mgt.

B. Forest biodiver-sity inventory

C.Policy & reforms

D.Environ-mental awareness

E.Sustaina-ble use options

FProject mgt & coordi-nation

Total

Personnel 13 0 0 13 17 71 114

Technical Assistance

0 70 23 0 9 0 101

Equipment/inputs/opera-tional cost

150 16 10 64 164 31 434

Training 18 2 4 2 18 4 48

Travel 4 16 10 6 4 7 47

Monitoring and evaluation

10 10 4 6 12 22 64

Contingencies 0 0 0 0 0 40 40

Total 195 113 50 92 223 175 848


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Table 5. Incremental Cost Matrix

Baseline/GEF Alternative Actions

Cost of Baseline/Alternative Actions (US Dollars)

DomesticBenefits

Global Benefits

Baseline actions(a) Limited management of

forest and wildlife resources & Env. protection by Brigades & GWS*

(b) Limited rapid biodiversity inventories/ forest management planning

(c) Regulatory reforms(d) Limited environmental

education program(e) Sustainable livelihood

options(f) Project management

465,000*

42,0004,00023,000

18,000

77,000

Increased awareness about the need for conservation and sustainable use of natural resources among a limited number of citizens

Increased knowledge of biodiversity status and importance of the Okyeman forests

Limited protection of flora and fauna of global importance

Total Baseline Cost 629,000GEF Alternative(a) Improved management of

forest & wildlife resources

(b) Forest resources and biodiversity inventory

(c) Policy and regulatory reforms

(d) Environmental awareness

(e) Livelihood sources & sustainable use options

(f) Project management, coordination, monitoring & evaluation

195,000

113,000

50,000

92,000

223,000

175,000

Renewable natural resources are managed in an integrated and sustainable manner

Improved knowledge of the natural resource base to guide management and land-use planning

An enabling legal environment created to support biodiversity conservation actions

Local people gain better understanding of environmental issues and the relationships between human actions and environmental degradation

Significant reduction in pollution of natural habitats

Conservation of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity of global importance

Reduction in greenhouse gas emission from burning of vegetation

Increased sequestration of soil carbon because of improved land management

Total GEF/Alternative 1,477,000Incremental Cost 848,000

(* contribution in kind based on time input of Brigades and Wildlife Clubs, as well as office space and support in field and in Accra)


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References

1. Ghana 2002. Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy 2002 – 2004, an Agenda for Growth and Prosperity, Analysis and Policy Statement 25pp

2. Conservation International 2002. Ecotourism Development of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve. Report prepared for NRMP Biodiversity Component

3. Hall, R.B and Swaine M.D. 1981. Geobotany. Distribution and ecology of vascular plants in a tropical rain forest. Forest vegetation in Ghana. Dr. W. Junk Publishers.

4. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y. 1995. Indigenous vs. Introduced Biodiversity Conservation Strategies: the Case of Protected Areas Systems in Ghana, Biodiversity Support Program, Issues in African Biodiversity No 1, Washington, D.C.

5. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., Gyamfi-Fenteng L.J. and D. Abbiw. 1992. Management Strategy for Sacred Groves in Ghana. Report prepared for the World Bank and the Environmental Protection Council.

6. Dwomoh, D. 1990 Forest Conservation: The contribution of sacred groves (A study of Sekyere West District, Ashanti Region). B.A (Hons) Dissertation, Geography Dept., Univ. of Ghana, Legon.

7. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., Owusu E. H., Daramani D. T., Nuoh A. A. 2001. Important Bird Areas in Ghana. In: Fishpool L. D. C., Evans M. I. (eds.), Important Bird Areas in Africa and Associated Islands, Priority sites for conservation, pp. 367 - 389.

8. Hawthorne, W. D & Abu-Juam, M. 1995. Forest Protection in Ghana with particular reference to vegetation and species. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.

9. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y., Asamoah, S. A., Owusu, E. H and Owusu-Boateng, K. 2000. Avifauna of two upland evergreen forest reserves, the Atewa Range and Tafo Offin, in Ghana. Ostrich 71: 277 – 281.

10. Ghana Wildlife Society. 1998. Report on Faunal Survey of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve – Ghana, unpublished report.

11. Larsen, T. B. 1994. The Butterflies of Ghana – Their Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Use, unpublished report, 26pp


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Appendix 1. Global Importance of the Atewa Range Forest Reserve for Biodiversity

Sample-based Checklist of Atewa vascular plants of high conservation concern Star Rating as categories of plant conservation concern in GhanaA Star system for rating species has been described to define the conservation merit of each forest plant species in Ghana (Hawthorne, 1992; 1996; Hawthorne & Abu Juam, 1995). Stars are based primarily on global and local rarity and the system has two main functions: A framework for assessing individual species, with which species-specific policies can be framed

(e.g. ‘no Black Star tree species should be damaged during logging operations’). A basis for defining the conservation value of a tract or sample of forest of any size. The Star of a

species defines its weight for the calculation of a weighted average, referred to as a Genetic Heat Index (GHI).

Description of the Star Rating

Black stars are written in full i.e. ‘BLACK star’. These are Ghana’s highest conservation priority and the Ghanaian populations are of high global significance.

Gold star species are written in full i.e. ‘GOLD star’. These are of some conservation interest or concern, both nationally and globally, though not as much as Black star species

Guilds/habitCrude habit categories are listed with the guild. This encapsulates as much as possible of the ‘niche’ of the species in a very general way. Their definition and descriptive uses are described more fully in Hawthorne (1996).

Pioneers are generally species which benefit from forest disturbance. NPLDs are ‘Non pioneer light demanders’, being intermediate between the previous and next

categories. Shade-bearers are often to be found healthy in the shady understorey, and rarely benefit from

disturbance Swamp species are largely restricted to rivers and/or swamps.

Scientific Name Family Habit Guild Star ratingAcanthus guineensis Acanthaceae Shrub Pioneer GOLDAlafia whytei Apocynaceae Liane GOLDBuforrestia obovata Commelinaceae Herb Shade GOLDCalycosiphonia macrochlamys Rubiaceae Shrub GOLDCrotonogyne chevalieri Euphorbiaceae Tree Shade GOLDCussonia bancoensis Araliaceae Tree Pioneer GOLDDecorsella paradoxa Violaceae Tree Shade GOLDDiospyros chevalieri Ebenaceae Shrub Shade GOLDDrypetes afzelii Euphorbiaceae Tree Shade GOLDEhretia trachyphylla Boraginaceae Tree Pioneer GOLDElatostema paivaeanum Urticaceae Shrub Pioneer GOLDGaertnera cooperi Rubiaceae Shrub Shade GOLDHomalium longistylum Flacourtiaceae Tree NPLD GOLDHymenocoleus multinervis Rubiaceae Herb Shade GOLDIxora tenuis Rubiaceae Shrub Shade BLACKLecaniodiscus punctatus Sapindaceae Tree Shade BLACKLeptactina involucrata Rubiaceae Tree Shade GOLDMapania coriandrum Cyperaceae Herb Shade GOLDNeolemonniera clitandrifolia Sapotaceae Tree Shade BLACKOkoubaka aubrevillei Santalaceae Tree NPLD GOLDOrthopichonia barteri Apocynaceae Liane NPLD GOLD


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Pandanus abbiwii Pandanaceae Tree Swamp GOLDPausinystalia lane-poolei Rubiaceae Tree Shade GOLDPavetta akeassii Rubiaceae Climber Shade BLACKPhyllanthus profus Euphorbiaceae Tree Shade GOLDPiptostigma fugax Annonaceae Tree Shade GOLDPlacodiscus attenuatus Sapindaceae Tree Shade GOLDPlacodiscus boya Sapindaceae Tree Shade GOLDPsychotria ivorensis Rubiaceae Shrub Shade GOLDPsychotria reptans Rubiaceae Shrub Shade GOLDPsychotria subglabra Rubiaceae Shrub Shade BLACKPsydrax manensis Rubiaceae Tree Pioneer GOLDRobynsia glabrata Rubiaceae Tree Shade GOLDSapium aubrevillei Euphorbiaceae Tree Pioneer BLACKStaurogyne capitata Acanthaceae Shrub Swamp GOLDVahadenia callei Apocynaceae Liane GOLDVernonia titanophylla Compositae Tree Pioneer GOLDXylopia elliotii Annonaceae Tree Shade GOLDXylopia rubescens Annonaceae Tree Swamp GOLD

BUTTERFLIESLATIN NAME ENGLISH NAMESPECIES ENDEMIC TO ATEWA FOREST Acraea kibi Mylothris atewaDeutorix sp. Nov.CelaenorrhinusPapilio antimachusREPTILESSPECIES LISTED ON CITES APPENDICESPython regius Royal Python Python sebae African Python Varanus niloticus Nile MonitorVaranus exanthematicus Bosc's MonitorPelomedusa subrufa Marsh TerrapinBIRDSGLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES Bleda eximia Green-tailed Bristlebill (VU)*Criniger olivaceus Yellow-throated Olive Greenbul (VU)*Illadopsis rufescens Rufous-winged Illadopsis (NT)*Lamprotornis cupreocauda Copper-tailed Glossy-starling (NT)* RESTRICTED RANGE SPECIES (also species above with *) Apalis sharpii Sharpe's Apalis

GUINEA FOREST RESTRICTED SPECIES Alcedo leucogaster White-bellied KingfisherAlethe diademata Fire-crested AletheAndropadus gracilis Little Grey GreenbulApalis nigriceps Black-capped ApalisApalis sharpii Sharpe's ApalisBaeopogon indicator Honeyguide GreenbulBleda canicapilla Grey-headed BristlebillBleda eximia Green-tailed Bristlebill


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Bleda syndactyla BristlebillCamaroptera superciliaris Yellow-browed CamaropteraCampephaga lobata Western Wattled Cuckoo-shrikeCampethera caroli Brown-eared WoodpeckerCentropus leucogaster Black-throated CoucalCeratogymna cylindricus Brown-cheeked HornbillCeratogymna elata Yellow-casqued HornbillCercococcyx mechowi Dusky Long-tailed CuckooChlorocichla simplex Simple GreenbulColumba unicincta Afep’s PigeonCriniger barbatus Bearded GreenbulCriniger calurus Red-tailed GreenbulCriniger olivaceus Yellow-throated Olive GreenbulDryoscopus sabini Sabine's Puff-backEremomela badiceps Rufous-crowned EremomelaFrancolinus ahantensis Ahanta FrancolinFrancolinus lathami Forest FrancolinGymnobucco calvus Naked-faced BarbetGymnobucco peli Bristle-nosed BarbetHalcyon badia Chocloate-backed KingfisherHimantornis haematopus Nkulengu RailHirundo nigrita White-throated Blue SwallowHylia prasina Green HyliaIlladopsis cleaveri Black-cap IlladopsisIlladopsis fulvescens Brown IlladopsisIlladopsis rufescens Rufous-winged IlladopsisIndicator maculatus Spotted HoneyguideIndicator willcocksi Willcocks' HoneyguideLamprotornis cupreocauda Copper-tailed Glossy StarlingMacrosphenus concolor Grey LongbillMacrosphenus kempi Kemp's LongbillMalaconotus cruentus Fiery-breasted Bush-shrikeMalimbus malimbicus Crested MalimbeMalimbus nitens Blue-billed MalimbeMalimbus rubricollis Red-headed MalimbeMalimbus scutatus Red-vented MalimbeMerops gularis Black Bee-eaterMuscicapa cassini Cassin's Grey FlycatcherMyioparus griseigularis Grey-throated FlycatcherNectarinia adelberti Buff-throated SunbirdNectarinia superba Superb SunbirdNeocossyphus fraseri Rufous Ant ThrushNeocossyphus poensis White-tailed Ant ThrushNicator chloris Western NicatorNigrita bicolor Chestnut-breasted Negro-finchNigrita fusconota White-breasted Negro-finchOriolus brachyrhynchus Western Black-headed OriolePhyllastrephus albigularis White-throated GreenbulPhyllastrephus icterinus Icterine GreenbulPlatysteira blissetti Red-cheeked Wattle-eyePlatysteira castanea Chestnut Wattle-eyePogoniulus atroflavus Red-rumped TinkerbirdPogoniulus subsulphureus Yellow-throated TinkerbirdPsittacus erithacus Grey Parrot


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Sarothrura pulchra White-spotted FlufftailSmithornis rufolateralis Rufous-sided BroadbillSpermophaga haematina BluebillStiphrornis erythrothorax Forest RobinSylvietta virens Green CrombecTauraco macrorhynchus Black-tip Crested TuracoTauraco persa Guinea TuracoTerpsiphone rufiventer Red-bellied Paradise FlycatcherTockus albocristatus White-crested HornbillTockus fasciatus Allied HornbillTockus hartlaubi Black Dwarf HornbillTrachyphonus purpuratus Yellow-billed BarbetTricholaema hirsuta Hairy-breasted BarbetTrochocercus nigromitratus Dusky-crested FlycatcherTrochocercus nitens Blue-headed Crested FlycatcherTurtur brehmeri Blue-headed Wood Dove

MAMMALSGLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIESCephalophus dorsalis Bay Duiker Neotragus pygmaeus Royal Antelope

SPECIES LISTED IN CITESAnomalurus peli Pel's Flying SquirrelCercopithecus petaurista Spot-nosed MonkeyColobus polykomos Black-and-white ColobusGalago senegalensis Senegal GalagoGalagoides demidoff Demidoff's GalagoPerodicticus potto Bosman’s PottoPhataginus tricuspis Tree Pangolin

OTHER SPECIES OF NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONCERN Anomalurus beecrofti Beecroft's Flying SquirrelCricetomys gambianus African Giant RatEuxerus erythropus Western Ground SquirrelFunisciurus anerythrus Thomas Rope Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachim Red-Footed SquirrelIdiurus zenkeri Zenker's Flying SquirrelCercopithecus mona Mona MonkeyColobus polykomos Black-and-white ColobusErythrocebus patas Patas MonkeyGalago senegalensis Senegal GalagoAtilax paludinosus Marsh Mongoose Civettictis civetta African CivetCrossarchus obscurus CusimanseGenetta tigrina Bush/Spotted GenetHerpestes sanguinea Slender MongooseNandina binotata African Palm CivetDendrohyrax dorsalis Tree HyraxCephalophus maxwelli Maxwell's DuikerCephalophus niger Black DuikerPotamochoerus porcus Red River Hog Tragelaphus scriptus Bushbuck


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