The activities aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and public engagement
The Resource Conservation Initiative - RESCONI has emphasized that forests remain one of the most valuable natural assets underpinning environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries like Ghana.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) and 2026 is themed “Forests and Economies” The theme highlights the critical role forests play in driving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, highlighting that economic development and environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand
The Programme Officer for Resource Conservation Initiative - RESCONI, Akosua Pokua Boakye underscored the need for and importance of this day on the global environmental calendar.
She mentioned that, it’s important to achieve the SDG goals because globally, forests support over 1.6 billion people and host more than 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, reinforcing its importance in both economic resilience and ecological stability.
“In Ghana, the forestry sector continues to play a vital role in national development. The sector contributes significantly to employment and export earnings, supporting over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating substantial foreign exchange through timber exports.
“Also, non-timber forest products such as mushrooms, medicinal plants, bushmeat, and fuelwood provide income, nutrition, and healthcare support for many rural households.
“The country’s economy, which is largely dependent on natural resources and rain-fed agriculture, is therefore closely linked to the health and sustainability of its forest ecosystems” she added.
In commemoration of the day, the Resource Conservation Initiative- RESCONI in collaboration with the Renewable Natural Resources Students Association of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (RENARSA-KNUST) undertook an Inter-Program Quiz Competition and Media Engagement activities with Focus FM (Focus FM Visitation) a campus-based radio station.
These activities aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and public engagement.
The competition brought together students from Forest Resource Technology, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Science in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The quiz was designed to deepen student understanding of forestry concepts, climate change issues, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
The Media Engagement (Focus FM Visitation) engaged the students and general public through an educational discussion on Focus FM.
It highlighted the economic importance of forests, emerging environmental challenges, and the role of youth in advancing conservation and sustainable forestry practices.
Tahiru Saani, 3rd year student from Forest Resource Technology, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Science in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology said the activities have strengthened awareness on the economic importance of forests and its significant roles in the economic development of the country.
“The event encouraged critical thinking and promote active participation of the youth in forest conservation efforts” he added.
RESCONI awarded cash price of GH₵ 700.00, learning materials and certificate to Forest Resources Technology for winning the Inter-Programme Quiz Competition, Natural Resources Management also took home cash price of GH₵ 300.00, learning materials and certificate and Environmental Science was awarded educational materials and certificate.
RESCONI reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, capacity building, and youth-driven advocacy and calls on all stakeholders to support sustainable forest management practices and safeguard forest resources for future generations.
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