Geography Awareness Week

During Geography Awareness Week from 17 to 23 November, Raleigh International, the UK-based youth development organisation, focussed attention on its environmental projects in Ghana. Geography Awareness Week is organised by the National Geographic Society to promote geography and conservation.

Raleigh's current conservation projects in Ghana include turtle protection at three sites on the western coast as well as projects in both Bui and Mole National Parks.

Working in conjunction with the Ghana Wildlife Society, Raleigh's turtle conservation project seeks to guarantee the future stability of the nation's endangered marine turtles. Three turtle hatcheries have been built which will house eggs collected shortly after being laid on the beach. In addition, Raleigh International and the Ghana Wildlife Society have dug and levelled a visitor centre car park at Beyin and are constructing summer huts for visitors to the area.

The project at Bui National Park involves building a guesthouse for fee-paying tourists and helping develop eco tourism in the area. Bui covers the catchment of the Black Volta River and is home to primates, antelopes and a significant hippo population.

Raleigh International is also working with the Ghana Wildlife Division in Mole National Park on various projects including building speed humps to reduce harm to wildlife and preparing a site where visitors can stay.

Country Director for Raleigh International in Ghana, Frances Bawden, says whilst the main focus is youth development, Ghana's wildlife and environment benefit at the same time. "As well as helping to protect endangered species we work with local communities, helping them look after their environment and making them aware of the benefits which often result. One of the most significant benefits is increased tourism which, if done sensitively, has the potential to generate additional, revenue."