Tamale, Ghana – The Centre for Opportunities and Rural Development (CORD-Ghana), in partnership with World Vision International (WVI), has trained students in 27 schools across five districts in the Upper East Region on Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), aiming to nurture a new generation of environmental stewards.
The initiative, implemented under the FMNR SEED Project, has established Green Schools Clubs in schools across the Miregu, Paga, Chiana, Sirigu and Kandiga districts to promote tree conservation, land restoration and sustainable agricultural practices.
Executive Director of CORD-Ghana, Dr. Kodimah Siita, said schools were the ideal platform for cultivating environmental responsibility among young people, noting that land degradation and deforestation continue to threaten agricultural productivity and livelihoods in northern Ghana.
“When we invest in children and young people as environmental champions, we are investing in the future of our land, our food systems and our communities,” he said.
Dr. Siita encouraged students to share the knowledge gained with their families, saying FMNR was a simple but effective practice that could easily be adopted by farming households.
Green Schools Initiative Manager at CORD-Ghana, Mr. Courage Kojo Opoku, said the clubs would empower students to become advocates for tree protection within their communities.
“We want every student to return home and explain why trees should be protected. Those conversations across thousands of households can begin to reverse land degradation,” he said.
Each Green Schools Club has elected student leaders, a teacher patron and activities including tree nursery establishment, FMNR demonstration plots, environmental awareness campaigns, LEAN Game advocacy sessions and community outreach.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by CORD-Ghana and World Vision International to strengthen climate resilience and restore degraded landscapes across northern Ghana.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
