tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4636610798761076656.post2454512938565086702..comments2023-08-17T16:02:43.630+00:00Comments on Geothinking: International Year of Forests: Focus on Ghana’s ForestsBenji Apraku Gyampohhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01729050079427718870noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4636610798761076656.post-25949560302302518712011-03-02T13:57:35.028+00:002011-03-02T13:57:35.028+00:00Rita,
Thanks very much for your comments. IITA has...Rita,<br />Thanks very much for your comments. IITA has been implementing a programme known as Sustainable Tree Crop Programme (STCP) in some parts of Ghana and their aims are not different from what you have stated here. Your last paragraph really makes interesting reading!Benji Apraku Gyampohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01729050079427718870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4636610798761076656.post-69225771797865445682011-03-02T09:59:09.427+00:002011-03-02T09:59:09.427+00:00A sustainable forest is a forest that is properly ...A sustainable forest is a forest that is properly managed (replanting of felled trees) to provide long term benefits to people, society and the nation at large. The effects of deforestation and climate change cannot be unnoticed; the effects are already visible in many parts of Ghana where prolonged water shortage and drought remain an issue of concern. Apart from timber, the forest is an important environment for the generation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) including food, materials for crafts, medicine which contributes to the livelihood conditions of local people. Forests are also important for the generation of ecosystem services to ensure the safety of wildlife and for leisure and recreation. <br /><br />Sustainable forests can only survive if they are integrated into agro-forestry systems, make a profit and provide employment for the local people. Forests can be integrated into production systems through multiple intercropping; cocoa and other food crops can be grown as under-storey crops. In this intercropping system, disease and pests incidence can be minimized when some crops serve as attractants for beneficial insects and others serve as repellent for harmful ones, there are facilitation benefits such as trees canopy modifying the micro-climate environment of the crops through reduced evapotranspiration, tree roots serving as water and nutrients pumps for the shallow rooted crops etc. Improved yields hence, profits by farmers can be guaranteed because there is a diversified cropping system. The type of employment available in a sustainable forest will include work related directly to managing and maintaining the forests, but also jobs related to the tourist industry such as kakum. <br /> <br />Sustainable forests, carbon and climate change need policy measures so that forests continue to exist providing natural materials for us and preserving the natural environment. Such policies include biomass energy to control atmospheric CO2, an increase in the recovery of used wood and fibre, technologies to significantly reduce energy consumption, increase the use of recycled paper and many more. <br /><br />Ir Somuah (MSc. Plant Sciences; Natural Resources Management)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com