Atewa Critical Conservation Action Project, Ghana
The Atewa Forest in Ghana is one of the most extensive intact rainforest areas in West Africa, a unique habitat, with a wealth of rare plants and animals, and a source of food and water for 5 million people, making its protection of seminal importance for conservationists. The A. G. Leventis Foundation supports such initiatives through the Atewa Critical Conservation Action Project, established by A Rocha Ghana and led by Patrick Opoku. Project activities commenced in June 2012 with a press conference in Accra and the opening of a project office in Kibi, on the eastern edge of Atewa. A scoping exercise in November 2012 identified more than 40 settlements around Atewa (totalling around 750,180 people), of which 35 settlements were selected for sensitisation work. Actions included 25 community durbars communicating conservation messages about Atewa; 20 well-attended video shows featuring Ghana’s wildlife and the experience of Kakum National Park; the formation of environmental clubs in high schools in 5 districts fringing Atewa; hosting a visit of around 200 students from the KNUST Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; and convening an interfaith workshop for 120 religious leaders from 5 towns around Atewa.
Grants given:
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
