Mr. Abraham Essel, Nkawie District Forest Manager, has urged forest fringe communities to actively support and participate in conservation efforts led by the Forestry Commission (FC).
He pointed out that residents in forest fringe communities were key stakeholders and direct beneficiaries of the forest, and they should therefore support efforts aimed at protecting the forest and enhancing its benefits to the communities.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency ahead of the International Day of the Forests celebrations, Mr Essel said protecting the forest was a climate change action, which needed the support of all citizens.
The International Day of Forests is celebrated on March 21, every year to create awareness on forest conservation actions and the contribution of citizens towards protecting the forest and the environment.
Mr Essel said forests served as natural defense against climate change as they absorb carbon dioxide, purify the air, and reduce extreme weather impacts.
He said the act of planting trees, using forest resources responsibly and standing up against activities that degraded forest ecosystems were laudable efforts for forest conservation that could be carried out in the rural communities.
He pointed out, that forest remained a critical pillar of the Ghanaian economy from timber and non-timber forest products to ecotourism, climate services, watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, among others, since millions of Ghanaians depended on forests for jobs, food, medicine, shelter, renewable energy and cultural identity.
He emphasized that forest protection was not only an environmental protection activity, but also the protection of an imperative economic commodity for national development.
Mr Essel said the Forestry Commission had adopted restoration, enforcement against illegal activities, community participation and partnerships with the private sector and civil society as sustainable forest management efforts.
He noted that, the theme for this year’s celebration: “Forests and Economies” highlighted the vital role forests played in the growth of national and local economies by supporting livelihoods, generating employment, sustaining industries and contributing significantly to economic resilience, while safeguarding environmental protection for key economic gains.
He said, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) in collaboration with the Forestry Commission would celebrate the day with debates, durbars, media engagements and other activities at the national, regional and district levels from March 21, 2026.
Source: Access Agric
