The Enhancing Conservation of the Greater Amanzule Wetland Through Creation of Community Resources Management Areas project is a US Forest Service funded project with the initiative to sustainably manage the resources with the Greater Amanzule Wetland (GAW) system.
The Greater Amanzule Wetland (GAW) in Southwestern Ghana is a biologically diverse ecosystem that provides essential goods and services to over 25 surrounding communities. Despite its ecological and economic importance, the wetland lacks formal protection, leading to resource degradation due to weak governance.
Ghana’s wildlife policy acknowledges community involvement in natural resource management, and the recent Wildlife Resource Management Bill provides a legal framework for establishing Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs).
Hen Mpoano has collaborated with stakeholders to establish two CREMAs, the Ajomoro Ankobra and Bobrama Asanta Ankobra, where communities engage in biodiversity monitoring, enforcement of conservation laws, and restoration efforts.
Building on these successes, two additional CREMAs are being created, focusing on equitable benefit sharing and gender-inclusive conservation.
The project is projected to support in the enhancement of governance structures, demarcate boundaries, assess biodiversity, and strengthen community enforcement mechanisms.
It will also promote green ventures to support conservation efforts and establish a conservation fund for long-term sustainability. Ultimately, the project aims to empower communities with the necessary tools and legal authority to manage their natural resources effectively while improving biodiversity and local livelihoods.
