September, 2024 — The Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC), in collaboration with the Offinso District Forestry Commission, recently concluded a successful three-day training workshop on utilizing Global Forest Watch (GFW) tools for forest monitoring in Ghana. This initiative, under the World Resources Institute (WRI)-funded project “Application of Technology to Enhance Monitoring of the Forest in the Offinso Forest District of Ghana (ATEM-OFD),” aimed at building technological capacity within the Forestry Commission’s Forest Services Division to enhance forest protection and conservation efforts through the integration of human-based and technology-aided operations.
Organized across three days, the workshop introduced participants to the GFW Forest Watcher mobile and web apps, equipping them with the skills needed for real-time tracking of illegal logging, encroachments, fire outbreaks, and overall forest health monitoring. Day 1 focused on training Zone 1 participants from the Asubima, Afrensu Brohuma, and Mankrang reserves, convened in Akumadan. Day 2 targeted Zone 2 at Abofour, which included the Asufu East, Asufu West, and Gianama forest monitoring teams. On the final day, Zone 3 participants from the Afram Headwaters, Kwamisa, and Opro teams completed their training at Abofour.
The 72 attendees, including Assistant District Managers, Resource and Protection Guards, representatives from the Private Afforestation Developers Organization (PADO), Women in Timber plantation assistants, and National Service personnel, gained valuable, hands-on experience.
Facilitators Mrs. Betty Boante Abeyie and Mr. Stanley Boakye-Achampong structured each session to encourage interactive learning. Live demonstrations, group exercises, and practical activities on app navigation, boundary updates, field data collection, and report generation provided essential knowledge for comprehensive forest monitoring.
By the end of the workshop, all nine ranges within the Offinso District had been successfully onboarded to the GFW Forest Watcher platform, now capable of integrating digital monitoring tools with their field activities. Participants expressed confidence in the technology and provided suggestions to enhance its effectiveness.
Post-training evaluations showed a strong foundation for continued technology integration into forest conservation, even though follow-up sessions will be essential for optimizing these tools in long-term forest monitoring.
This training marks a promising start for Offinso District’s forest personnel, positioning them at the forefront of technology-driven conservation in Ghana. KWC plans to maintain ongoing support, offering additional training to solidify the adoption of GFW tools and ensuring that these digital resources play a pivotal role in sustainable forest management across the district.
