Four decades of biodiversity conservation: Goziir calls for greater support to sustain long-standing environmental efforts

Since 1980, the community of Goziir in Ghana's Upper West Region has shown unwavering dedication to environmental conservation, maintaining a tradition of bushfire prevention and biodiversity protection. As a farming community, Goziir is situated in the western part of Nandom Municipality and is renowned for its conservation efforts and agricultural prowess. The drive to safeguard the environment was spearheaded by the late Chief Naa Leo Aamwaa Yiryel II, along with ten other respected elders.

The primary objective of this initiative was to prevent livestock, primarily cattle, from traveling extensively for forage, which often resulted in the animals not returning to the community or being stolen. To address this issue, the chief and his elders implemented a no-bushfire system, guaranteeing a steady supply of pasture for livestock throughout the year and compelling them to remain within the community.

This conservation model provides valuable insights for other regions in the Nandom Municipality, the Upper West Region, and Ghana, especially as bushfires continue to endanger vegetation, soil fertility, agricultural yields, livestock, and biodiversity. During a visit to Goziir, I had the opportunity to interact with the community's traditional leader, an agriculture expert, residents, the assembly member, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), and the Upper West Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to discuss the successes of the conservation program, the obstacles encountered in maintaining it, and the assistance necessary to inspire other communities to adopt similar practices.

Though the initiative is deeply rooted in local customs, its advantages extend far beyond Goziir. It showcases the potential of community-led conservation efforts in enhancing climate resilience, fostering sustainable agriculture, and safeguarding natural resources.