Upper East Region’s forest reserves face degradation

Forest reserves in the Upper East Region are facing severe threats from human activities, including widespread tree felling for charcoal production and firewood. 

As areas like Tilli are increasingly turning into desert-like landscapes, the region’s delicate ecosystems are being pushed to their limits.

The reserves, located within a critical elephant migration corridor, are also suffering from the impact of migrating elephants. 

These animals, in search of food, often push over small trees, further contributing to the degradation of the forest.

In an exclusive interview with Asaase News’ Mark Smith, Reuben Yenli Kaaraa-Iibu, Planning Officer for Bawku West District and Chairman of the Gambaga sub-basin, outlined the alarming situation during a White Volta Basin board meeting. 

The Gambaga sub-basin, which covers six districts in the eastern part of the Upper East Region—Bawku West, Bawku Municipality, Pusiga, Tempane, Binduri, and Garu—has witnessed the consequences of years of unsustainable environmental practices.

The adverse effects of deforestation have been stark. Frequent floods, coupled with declining rainfall, have devastated agriculture, the backbone of the local economy.

Kaaraa-Iibu stressed that these environmental challenges require urgent action to protect both the land and the livelihoods that depend on it.

To address these pressing issues, he proposed a multifaceted strategy focused on reforestation and sustainable resource management. 

“We will introduce reafforestation through tree planting,” he said. “We will also use by-laws to control access to certain areas and focus on natural regeneration.”

“We plan to identify specific spots that the communities will agree to preserve, ensuring these areas are protected for a designated number of years.”

Kaaraa-Iibu highlighted that engaging local communities would be essential for the success of these initiatives. 

“We plan to approach traditional authorities to ensure they understand the by-laws before we proceed with their implementation,” he stated. 

However, he emphasised the importance of offering alternative livelihood options to reduce dependence on forest resources.

“We will engage Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and other mobility services to support the communities.”

“We will organise community members into groups, providing food, care, training, and resources to help them. In addition, we plan to train people in beekeeping and explore aquaculture, where we will teach sustainable fishing practices,” Kaaraa-Iibu explained.

Strengthening governance structures is another key element in addressing deforestation. 

Kaaraa-Iibu noted that while some government institutions are already in place, many lack the expertise to tackle the complex issues of deforestation, especially the human-wildlife conflicts arising from elephant migrations.

“We already have some existing government structures, but in many cases, they lack a full understanding of the rule,” he stated.

“Some institutions do not fully grasp the complexities of deforestation, especially in relation to human-wildlife conflict, such as elephants migrating through the area. The institutions in place may not have the expertise required to address this issue comprehensively.”

A key step in addressing these challenges, he said, is to build the capacity of the Department of Food and Agriculture or establish a dedicated Department of Forestry to manage elephant migration and forest conservation.

In conclusion, Kaaraa-Iibu stressed the importance of a holistic approach, combining reforestation, alternative livelihoods, and improved governance to safeguard the region’s forests for future generations.

As the Upper East Region grapples with environmental challenges, local communities, alongside government efforts, must work together to ensure the sustainability of their vital forest reserves.

Reporting by Mark Smith in the Upper East Region

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