UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Prosper Adankai
The Executive Director of Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), Sumaila Seidu Saaka, has raised concerns about the growing pressure on natural resources in parts of the Upper East Region, warning that growing population, human activities and cross-border could intensify competition for land, water resources and grazing areas
He said the situation required a careful, coordinated response that protects the environment, supports local livelihoods and promotes peaceful coexistence between host communities and migrants from neighbouring countries
Mr. Saaka, was speaking in an interview with URA-Radio in Bolgatanga
He said communities in the region are already facing serious environmental challenges, including land degradation, declining soil fertility, pressure on water resources and the loss of vegetation
These challenges could become more difficult to manage when natural resources are over-stretched by competing demands in era of climate change
The FONAR Executive Director urged District Assemblies, traditional leaders and community people to work together to tackle these challenges through dialogue, responsible natural resource management and strong institutions building
Mr. Saaka said his Organization works with local communities, local government agencies and other development partners to restore degraded agricultural lands through farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) aimed at restoring hope, livelihoods and biodiversity
He explained that FMNR is cheap and visible as farmers regrow trees from living stumps and roots already in their fields, with no nursery or imported inputs, and benefits such as fodder, fuelwood, shade, soil fertility and better yields show up within one to three seasons
He said FMNR is a practical tool for promoting social cohesion in border communities because the visible gains give communities something concrete to manage together
Source – gbcuraonline.com
