Ghana’s nature conservation initiative to revitalize Ho West district’s ecosystem and economy

A groundbreaking nature conservation and ecotourism project is set to commence in Ghana’s Kpoeta enclave of Ho West District this August.

This initiative, valued at USD 500,000, aims to protect and restore the habitats of endangered and previously thought extinct species while boosting local economies through eco-friendly tourism.

Recent research has revealed that the Kpoeta enclave harbors several critically endangered and extinct species. Among these is the whistling frog (Conraua derooi), commonly known as the Togo slippery frog, now confined to the Ghana-Togo border area. This amphibian, which never leaves the water from tadpole to adulthood, faces threats from habitat destruction due to human activities.

“Logging, agriculture expansion, and pollution have significantly impacted the whistling frog’s habitat,” stated Dr. Caleb Ofori-Boateng, founder of Herp Conservation Ghana (Herp-Ghana). “Our mission is to protect threatened species through forest conservation, habitat restoration, and community livelihood improvements.”

Additionally, the area is home to two newly discovered butterfly species and viable populations of the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), one of the most trafficked animals globally.

Remarkably, the tree species Brugmansia arborea, or Angel’s Trumpet, considered extinct in the wild, has been found growing in Kpoeta. The rediscovery of these species highlights the ecological significance of the region and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The nature conservation project, set to last 36 months, will be conducted in partnership with the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, the Ho West District Assembly, and the Ghana Tourism Authority.

The project’s eco-tourism component will introduce activities such as ziplining, Nepalese bridges, and river tubing at the Kpoeta waterfalls, aiming to merge biodiversity conservation with local economic development.

“Ecotourism is a tool we are using to achieve biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement,” explained Dr. Ofori-Boateng. The project is expected to generate at least 50 direct jobs and 200 indirect employment opportunities within the tourism value chain.

Additionally, local businesses, such as hospitality and handicrafts, are expected to benefit from increased tourist traffic.

The project will also establish educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Workshops and training sessions will be provided for local community members, empowering them to actively participate in and benefit from conservation and ecotourism activities.

Ernest Victor Apau, Ho West District Chief Executive (DCE), emphasized the project’s potential to transform the local economy and environment.

He urged the residents of Kpoeta, comprising four communities—Kpoeta-Ashanti, Kpoeta Achem, Kpoeta-Kpodzi, and Kpoeta-Adorfe—to support the initiative.

“The success of this project depends on our unity and cooperation,” Apau said. He also encouraged maintaining high standards of cleanliness to enhance the area’s tourism appeal. The district assembly will work closely with local leaders to ensure that the community’s needs and concerns are addressed throughout the project.

The project has received generous support from various funding partners, including Rainforest Trust, Foundation Franklinia, Hans Wilsdorf Audemars-Watkins, and Whitley Fund for Nature.

The initiative will also extend to nearby Holuta in Ho West District and Logba-Tota in Afadzato South District, aiming for a broader impact on biodiversity conservation and community development.

Future plans for the project include the establishment of a research center focused on biodiversity studies and conservation practices.

This center will collaborate with international conservation organizations and universities to further research on the unique species found in the region and develop strategies for their protection.

In summary, this conservation and ecotourism project in the Kpoeta enclave represents a significant step towards preserving endangered species and revitalizing local economies through sustainable tourism practices.

By investing in local communities and promoting environmental stewardship, the initiative aims to create a model for conservation efforts across Ghana and beyond.