Creation of a community-managed forest in western Ghana and a potential transboundary reserve with Côte d’Ivoire

The Kwabre community forest in western Ghana (2,500 ha) and the Tanoé forest in Côte d’Ivoire are located on either side of the Tanoé river. They are home to exceptional biodiversity, with 1,800 endemic plant species, 31 endemic bird species, 35 endemic mammal species and 49 threatened endemic amphibian species; they represent the last habitat of the Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus diana roloway), one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates, as well as of the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus atys lunulatus), and possibly even Miss Waldron’s red colobus (declared extinct in 2000).

This high rate of endemism is due to the region being virtually inaccessible, as it is flooded for much of the year, though the risk of deforestation remains high owing to the large-scale development of cocoa, rubber and oil palm plantations.

To assist local populations and reduce the illegal exploitation of resources, Ghana’s Forestry Commission, under the Minister of Land and Forestry, allows resource management to be transferred to communities through the establishment of Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs).

This is the objective of this project, led by West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), which aims to create a CREMA around the Kwabre forest to improve the management and protection of the rainforest and reduce illegal hunting and logging.

The Tanoé forest is sustainably managed by local communities, but as there is no formal agreement with the Kwabre community forest, outsiders cross the river to engage in trafficking of forest products and bushmeat.

The ultimate aim is therefore to create a transboundary community protected area to ensure the protection of the entire zone.

The project’s direct beneficiaries are the communities of 12 villages, estimated at 25,000 people.