Mfantseman natural resources management committee inaugurated

Saltpond, Sept. 17, GNA - A nine-member Community-Based Natural Resources Management Committee has been formed for the Mfantseman District.

The Committee is a component of the Community-Based Rural Development Project (CBRDP), a four-year Poverty Reduction Programme. The committee, which is to train communities in the implementation of resource management plans, would facilitate the formation of farmer-based organisations and conservation area management committees. It would assist in providing technical assistance for alternative income generating ventures, Mr Emmanuel Adu-Mante, Natural Resource Specialist, said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, he appealed to Extension staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to provide technical assistance and training to communities to implement resource management interventions such as soil and water preparation, wildlife farming and seedling management.

Mr Desmond Duametu, Institutional Development Specialist in charge of the Central Region, appealed to traditional authorities and opinion leaders to provide land for Natural Resource Management (NRM) activities.

They should also undertake community mobilisation for NRM activities and advocate in support of NRM projects and programmes. Mr Duametu urged traditional authorities to institute and enforce customary and traditional laws or legislations to regulate the use and management of natural resources.

Mr Osman Danladi Yakubu, Cape Coast Zonal Co-ordinator of CBRDP appealed to environmental and Sanitation Sub-committees of the District Assemblies to assist communities to obtain political backing for the enforcement of by-laws.

They should also assist District Assemblies to enact by-laws on natural resources and the environment and help in resolving NRM related conflicts.

Mr Peter Omega, Acting Mfantseman District Director of Agriculture and Chairman of the Committee, said the management of natural resources concerned everybody and appealed for support from the people of the district to make their work a success. 16 Sept 05

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