Biodiversity Protection and Enhancement in Shea collection and Cocoa Production in Ghana [AFFILIATED]
Joint pilot project to develop a guideline for the implementation of biodiversity protection measures by small-holder farmers and collectors. The pilot takes place in Ghana with a view to scaling-up in further regions at a later stage. In Ghana, 22 producer organizations are Fairtrade certified. Fairtrade Standard includes criteria for the protection of biodiversity, but smallholder farmers need support to select and implement appropriate measures in order to protect biodiversity effectively.
The project contributes mainly to SDGs 12 (Sustainable Production and Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), 15 (Life on Land), as well as to SDG 1 (No Poverty). In addition, the project contributes to the following aims of Ghana´s Biodiversity Strategy and Ghana´s Poverty Reduction Strategy: Conservation and biodiversity use programmes and activities should take full account of the area in its totality with regards to its natural characteristics, social and economic features; Recognition and appreciation of traditional conservation and exploitation practices and their integration into modem conservation and exploitation methods; Full and active participation of communities, traditional authorities and local people in decision-making, design, implementation and monitoring of conservation programmes; Empowerment of owners of biodiversity in the conservation and sustainable use of its resources; Equitable and fair sharing of benefits accruing from the conservation and sustainable use of components of biodiversity.
The project mainly contributes to objectives 2 and 3 of the Sustainable Food Systems Programme by promoting biodiversity protection and enhancement in food production, and participatory ressource management at local/communal level in Ghana, as well as contributing to objective 1 through communication activities in Germany and to objective 4 by building stronger partnerships between actors within Ghana and with partners in Germany. Biodiversity protection and enhancement in Shea butter and cocoa production in Ghana are improved: -reduced deforestation, -reforested areas or other ecological structures created (ha), -higher awareness of collectors/ farmers on the ecological impact of their activities and behaviours.
Creation of a pilot “Community Resource Management Area (CREMA)” for community based management of natural resources, long term protection of natural habitats and endangered species and improvement of livelihoods.
Sensitization of food companies and retailers regarding the added value of biodiversity protection of Fairtrade-certified shea butter and cocoa. The project just started. The expected results are:
- Implementation of a sound Biodiversity Action Plan in the Shea Butter collection areas initiating a continuous improvement of biodiversity.
- Successful creation of a pilot “Community Resource Management Area (CREMA)” for community based management of natural resources, long term protection of natural habitats and endangered species and improvement of livelihoods.
- Food companies and retailers recognize the added value of biodiversity protection of Fairtrade-certified shea butter and cocoa and support the initiative by paying a fair price and by contributing financially to the roll out of the initiative. . We are interested to exchange experise and practical experiences on biodiversity protection by smallholder farmers and collectors.
