body-container-line-1
28.05.2012 Business & Finance

Weto Ecosystem Project uncovers tourism treasures

By GNA
Weto Ecosystem Project uncovers tourism treasures
28.05.2012 LISTEN

Kpeve, May 28, GNA -The Weto Range Ecosystem Protection and Biodiversity Project has uncovered 50 caves said to be inhabited by pythons and bats in addition to 30 sacred groves of touristic value.

Also found are watersheds, streams and rivers with unique features.

The findings are the result of a survey by the Development Institute, (DI) a non-governmental organization.

A report on the survey was discussed by representatives of the 36 communities in the project area at a “Baseline and Strategic Plan Validation Workshop” at Kpeve.

These attractions, spread between Fume and Logba in the Volta Region, would be further investigated to assess the extent to which they could add to the eco-tourism profile of the Volta Region, Mr P.K. Avumegah, the Executive Director of the DI, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

The Project, funded under the UNDP's-Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme (UNDP- GEFISGP), seeks to restore, protect and maintain the biodiversity of the 36 communities living along the Akwapim-Togo Range from the South Dayi District through to the Hohoe Municipal Area.

One of the stone caves at Logba Klikpo is said to be big enough to shelter about 40 or more people and capped by a stream whose cool and crystal clear water serves as a source of drinking water to both human beings and animals.

Animals reportedly fall often from the rocky cave to their death below.

Some of the animals found to be native to the place are red monkeys, antelopes and baboons.

The survey focused on Biodiversity Management for Improved Resilience and Sustainability, Sustainable Use of Resources, Agricultural Biodiversity and Access, Exchange of Agricultural Biodiversity, Transmission of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Traditions related to biodiversity.

Others are practices of documentation and exchange of local knowledge, use of local terminology or indigenous languages, women's knowledge about biodiversity and its use, autonomy in relation to land resource management, health care and health risks and social infrastructure.

The rest are areas protected for their cultural and ecological importance and sustainable use of resources and environmental security and safety.

The delegates made a number of recommendations for each of the components and identified chiefs as the main drivers of change using committees and existing legislations and bye laws to enforce compliance with sustainable environmental practices and initiatives.

GNA

body-container-line