Bio-diversity

The project addresses problems of loss of biodiversity in the Enchil district due to establishment of cocoa plantations. The project area is within the high forest zone and the goal is to protect and improve the biodiversity and ecological status of the Enchi Sacred Grove to safeguard cultural values and to promote socio-economic benefits. The proejct will undertake the following activities: 1 Develop local capacity for conservation and management of Enchi sacred Grove. This would be done through: 1.1- Community awareness creation and education on need for conservation. The Community education will be integrated into the various workshops and seminars as well as through purposeful informal discussions to be held within the community. The staff and members of GACON who are specialist in the area of community mobilization and sensitization techniques at the early phase of the project would carry out this activity. 1.2 -The project intends to hold workshops on conservation and train about one hundred people drawn from Enchi community and other surrounding villages. The target groups for the workshop will be the prospective sacred grove guards and hunters both men and women. 1.3 Creating buffer zone around the grove boundary. The boundary of the grove will be re-demarcated and a buffer zone of 50 meters around the grove established. This will also involve planting tree seedlings around the boundary of the grove and weeding the boundary on a regular basis. To ensure the trees are maintained within the buffer zone, farmers will be encouraged to select the species to be planted on their land. This will encourage them to protect these trees so that they can gain the direct benefits in the long-term. Additionally, the zone will be used as a demonstration plot for diversification of Agroforestry and other multiple land use practices. Demonstration of Community livelihood activities of their choice, which are agro - based such as snail, bee keeping, and grass cutter farming will also be organised in the zone. Resource persons would be contracted depending on the choice of the livelihood activities. 1.4. Enrichment planting of indigenous tree species. A tree nursery will be established in a location near to the grove and close to a source of water. Two local nursery tenders will be identified to care for the seedlings. This will involve weeding and constant watering. With the projected increase in demand for seedlings for enrichment planting and normal planting in both the grove and on farmlands there is the need to establish and maintain sufficient nursery capacity. The need for the nursery establishment is also justified by the plan to integrate indigenous tree species and fruit tree species of farmers choice and suitable to the soil type of the area. It is envisaged that the nursery could be further developed to an all time income-generating project by selling seedlings and the community members would even acquired skills in nursery establishment. The Sacred Grove Management Committee would be the overseer of the nursery supporting GACON project staff stationed at the site. Indigenous fruit trees will be planted to serve as food source for the monkeys and other animals residing in the grove. The Forest Services Division in the District would be contracted to educate the people in nursery establishment techniques. 1.5- Undertake research survey in the area of botanical and wildlife resources. Except for a rapid appraisal, which was done during the baseline survey, no definite survey on species, especially rare or endangered has been carried out as yet. In order to develop a proper Management plan of the grove there is the need to carry out biological surveys to include birds, butterflies and other insects and other non-vascular plants. The botany and zoology groups of GACON who have rich knowledge in this area would carry out this aspect of the project. Also they would be assisted by some of the community members who have been trained in flora and fauna conservation and VSOs. 1.6 Tree labeling and identification leaflet. Different species of trees along the circular path will be posted appropriately for educational purposes. A leaflet on the trees will be provided by GACON to make for easy identification by school children using the site as educational centre and by visitors. 1.7 - Creation of a circular route. As the grove is mainly used as burial ground, a circular route will be provided to minimize disturbance on species and for easier movement within the grove. 1.8-Training and Formation of a Sacred Grove Management Committee. During the first phase of the project a Sacred Grove Management Committee (SGMC) will be established and further developed over the duration of the project. Membership will be drawn from all stakeholders in the grove to ensure all interests are represented during the implementation and continued management of the grove. The committee would be represented by representatives of all stakeholder groupings in the community and its surrounding villages such as women group, traditional authorities and youth, among others. Representatives of the following institutions would also be part of the committee as ex-officio members: GACON, Forest Services Division, District Assembly and Ministry of Food and Agriculture. There will be the need to build the capacity of the SGMC in conflict assessment and management for sustainable conservation practices. Specialists within GACON and trained local

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