Ekumfi Essuahyia (C/R), June 22, GNA - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides Ghana with a grant of 800,000 dollars every year for the protection of water bodies, coastal vegetations and marine resources in the country.
Mr. George Ortsin, National Co-ordinator of Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Small Grant Programme (SGP) of UNDP, who announced this on Monday, said well-organised community based organisations (CBOs), which were recognised by their traditional authorities and district assemblies could access parts of the fund. He was launching "Global Habitat for the Homeless" (GHAF), a Mankessim based NGO at Ekumfi Essuehyia in the Central Region. Mr. Ortsin commended traditional rulers on their foresight in preserving forests reserves and fetish groves popularly called "samanpow" and urged them to be at the vanguard of the crusade against environmental degradation.
Mr. Michael Nzulu, Assistant Central Regional Forestry Manager, commended the leadership of the NGO on its efforts to protect the environment.
He cautioned hunters against the use of fire and poisonous chemicals on their hunting expeditions.
Mr. Nzulu advised farmers to take to the rearing of grasscutters to expand their economic base.
Mr. Joseph Bismarck Andoh, Project coordinator of the GHAF enumerated the number of projects the organisation had undertaken since its establishment in 1985.
The projects he said were mainly related to biodiversity and sustainable management of traditionally protected lands and preservation of the coastal vegetation in the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District. Nana Baah IV, acting President of the Ekumfi Traditional Council, who presided, called on chiefs to encourage their people to embark on re-forestation programmes.
Some timber species like mahogany, odum and wawa were later planted in Adabo forest near Essuehyuia, to mark the day.
