Overview

Introduction to Our Work

Established in 1999, as Eden Conservation Society, A Rocha Ghana (ARG) has emerged as a committed environmental NGO providing practical conservation interventions aimed at contributing to the sustainable management of important ecological habitats and initiating programmes aimed at facilitating target community’s ability to adapt to current trends in climate change and other environmental menace. In 2003 Eden officially became part of the A Rocha family (network).

A Rocha Ghana has many kinds of projects and programs in place to help improve the environment in Ghana, while understanding that this impacts the daily lives of the people and animals living in the environment. We decide on what projects will be the most beneficial and effective based on the following strategic objectives. 

Types of Projects

A Rocha has researched possible project areas and implemented programmes across Ghana, including those focused on eco-tourism, community development, monkey and elephant conservation, environmental education and more. Please look through our complete list of programmes using the sidebar on the left of the screen. Past projects are those which the implementation has been completed. Current long term projects are those that the implementation process is over a year-long, while short-term projects are under a year. Note that we have many projects we would like to start but are waiting for fundraising, so please donate today to help these proposed projects become a reality.

*What is a CREMA?*

When reading through our projects, you will come across the word "CREMA" often. The idea of a CREMA was established in 2000 by The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission to address the challenges of wildlife management. A primary mechanism of this policy is the Community Resource Management Area CREMA approach, which creates a win-win situation by creating “a financial incentive for farmers to use and manage natural resources on sustainable basis by developing management rights and responsibilities to them.”[1] . This approach has the potential to improve livelihoods, conservation efforts, democracy, and strengthens local economies. A Rocha has been instrumental in implementing the idea of the CREMA around Ghana.

Strategic Objectives

Our strategic plan outlines and illustrates how we go about deciding which projects in which locations are the most effective to pursue. Below are the key point of our strategic plan:

• Use science-based conservation interventions: Generate and produce quality scientific-based information (biological, socio-ecolocial, socio-cultural, and socio-economical) for conservation planning and management as well as implementation of conservation interventions. 
• Use traditional-based conservation interventions: Identify, analyse, synthesize and adapt traditional-based information for conservation planning and management as well as implementation of conservation interventions.
• Develop Infrastructure to support operational objectives: To build and maintain infrastructure with modern facilities for research and development reflecting green ecology.
• Promote the Development and management of national and community-based Natural Resource Management:  Promote ecosystem management by establishing links with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) responsible for natural resources programmes. Support Community Resources Management Areas (CREMAs) and livelihood issues including gender and children.
• Promote communication, education and public awareness on ecosystem services and human well being: Encourage and instill environmental consciousness and advocacy among the general populace to promote practices and attitudes that protect the integrity of the environment. Advocate and contribute to policy formulation and changes where applicable.
• Establish a network of member with diverse expertise, from all walks of life throughout Ghana and beyond and develop human resources: Attract, develop and maintain self-motivated and competent professional staffs. 
• Secure sufficient and sustainable funding: Identify and attract diverse sources of funding through appropriate fund raising programmes and activities.