US Forest Services Coastal Sustainable Landscapes project underway

Ayawora (W/R), May 22, GNA - The United States Forest Services is implementing a three-year Coastal Sustainable Landscapes project in 17 communities in the six coastal districts of the Western Region.

The United States Agency for International Development is funding the 3.3 million dollars project.

Dr Steve Dennison, Director of the project told journalists during a media field trip to project sites at Ayawora and Adubrim in the Ellembelle District, that the project would also be implemented in 23 other communities in conjunction with Hen Mpoano, a non-governmental organisation.

He said more than 400 farmers are participating in the project which is in its first year of implementation.

He said the project is aimed at strengthening capacity for low emissions development through improved coastal forest landscape management.

Dr Dennison said: 'The project is embedded within broader and multi-partner food security, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and environmental governance efforts in the six coastal districts.'

The districts are Shama, Ellembelle, Ahanta West and Jomoro as well as Nzema East Municipality and Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Dr Dennison said interventions being undertaken under the project include implementation of agro-forestry and forestry practices, short and medium term livelihood improvement activities, bee keeping expansion, increased vegetable production and establishment of woodlots for charcoal production.

GNA