Role of values in a community-based conservation initiative in Northern Ghana

Date

2011

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Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate the importance of non-economic values to community-based conservation by presenting findings from research into Kunlog Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) in northern Ghana. One of the central motivations for creating the CREMA was to reinforce a traditional taboo on bushbuck, and while some respondents mentioned the possibility of eventually attracting tourists, the primary desire behind the CREMA is to protect bushbuck and other wildlife for future generations. Several respondents emphasized wanting children and grandchildren to be able to grow up seeing the wildlife. Material benefits should not be the sole focus of those involved in promoting and legislating frameworks for community-based conservation-frameworks such as Ghana’s CREMA policy. Government frameworks for the creation, registration, and regulation of conservation initiatives should be flexible and able to accommodate diverse community-based conservation initiatives driven from a variety of mixes of motivations, including motivations deriving from non-material values.

Description

Keywords

GHANA, NATURE CONSERVATION, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/51247

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2010-2019 / Années 2010-2019
Protected Areas and Poverty Reduction in Africa / Aires protégées et réduction de la pauvreté en Afrique