University of Ghana Hosts Key Regional Workshop on Strengthening Biodiversity Conservation in West Africa

Discover how the University of Ghana brought together experts for a pivotal discussion on biodiversity monitoring and protected area management. This event highlights innovative strategies to safeguard West Africa’s rich ecosystems amid growing challenges.

Introduction

The University of Ghana, located in Legon, recently hosted a significant two-day regional workshop focused on biodiversity conservation in West Africa. Held from Thursday, November 27, to Friday, November 28, 2025, the event carried the theme: “Sharing Lessons and Best Practices in Biodiversity Monitoring for Protected Area Management in West Africa.” Organized by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), this gathering united park managers, academics, government officials, NGOs, and conservation specialists to address critical needs in protected area management.

What is biodiversity monitoring? It involves systematic tracking of species, habitats, and ecosystems to inform conservation decisions. In West Africa, where deforestation, poaching, and climate change threaten unique biodiversity hotspots, such workshops are essential for regional collaboration. This article breaks down the event’s highlights, offering pedagogical insights into effective strategies for biodiversity conservation.

Why This Matters for West Africa

West Africa’s protected areas, like Ghana’s national parks, face shared threats. Events like this foster knowledge exchange, promoting scalable solutions for ecosystem preservation.

Analysis

The workshop featured presentations on successes and hurdles in biodiversity monitoring across the region. A standout was CBCR’s four-year collaborative project with the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Species Monitoring Specialist Group (SMSG). Titled “Expanding the Use of Innovative New Technologies to Enhance Protected Area Management in Ghana,” it introduced tools like camera traps in the Ankasa/Nini Suhien Conservation Area and Digya National Park.

Camera traps, motion-activated devices that capture wildlife images without human presence, revolutionized data collection. They improved data quality, accessibility, and repeatability—key for evidence-based management in protected areas.

Expert Insights from Kofi Amponsah Mensah

CBCR’s Director for Research, Kofi Amponsah Mensah, underscored the need for systematic approaches. “Many parks do collect data, but often the systems are neither systematic nor repeatable. In some cases, there are no models at all. This project was designed to test monitoring approaches that can improve data availability and inform management decisions,” he explained. His remarks highlighted how ad-hoc methods limit conservation efficacy.

Regional Participation and Shared Challenges

Delegates from Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone shared experiences, revealing common issues: funding shortages, limited technical capacity, and inadequate equipment. Mr. Mensah noted, “By collaborating at a regional level, we can learn from each other, draw on similarities, and work together to improve biodiversity monitoring not just within our countries, but across West Africa.” This cross-border dialogue emphasized scalable, region-wide solutions.

Summary

In summary, the University of Ghana’s workshop advanced biodiversity conservation efforts by showcasing technological innovations, regional lessons, and calls for stronger support systems. Key outcomes included recognition of NGOs’ roles, the push for systematic monitoring, and strategies to engage youth in nature conservation. The event, published by Life Pulse Daily on November 27, 2025, positions Ghana as a leader in West African protected area management.

Key Points

Event Details: Two-day workshop at University of Ghana, Legon, themed around biodiversity monitoring best practices.
CBCR-IUCN Project: Four-year initiative using camera traps in Ghana’s Ankasa/Nini Suhien and Digya National Park.
Regional Focus: Participants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone discussed shared challenges like funding and capacity gaps.
Expert Emphasis: Systematic, repeatable data collection for informed decisions, per Kofi Amponsah Mensah.
NGO Role: Crucial for research, community projects, and bridging locals with conservation.
Calls to Action: Government funding, legal frameworks, anti-poaching resources, and youth education programs.

Practical Advice

Drawing from the workshop, here’s actionable guidance for enhancing biodiversity monitoring in protected areas:

Implement Technology Like Camera Traps

Adopt non-invasive tools such as camera traps for cost-effective wildlife tracking. In Ghana’s parks, they boosted data accuracy. Start small: Train staff, deploy in high-biodiversity zones, and analyze footage with free software like Camera Trap Manager.

Build Regional Networks

Form alliances across West Africa for resource sharing. Host joint workshops to standardize protocols, reducing duplication and amplifying impact.

Strengthen Capacity Building

Offer training in data analysis and field techniques. Partner with universities like the University of Ghana for hands-on programs, ensuring repeatable monitoring models.

Engage Communities and NGOs

Collaborate with NGOs for community-led initiatives. Involve locals in monitoring to foster ownership and sustainability.

Points of Caution

While promising, biodiversity conservation faces pitfalls highlighted at the workshop:

Funding Shortages: Persistent budget constraints hinder equipment and staffing.
Technical Gaps: Lack of skilled personnel leads to unreliable data.
Youth Disconnection: Declining outdoor engagement among children risks a conservation leadership vacuum.
Ad-Hoc Data Collection: Non-systematic methods undermine long-term planning.

Address these proactively to avoid setbacks in West African protected areas.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s efforts with neighbors reveals synergies and differences in protected area management:

Ghana vs. Nigeria and Liberia

Ghana leads in tech integration, but all nations share resource hurdles, underscoring regional cooperation’s value.

Legal Implications

The workshop touched on legal frameworks for biodiversity conservation. Mr. Mensah called for stronger government support, including robust laws against wildlife crimes like poaching. In Ghana, existing acts such as the Wildlife Resources Management Act (2016) provide a foundation, but enforcement requires more resources. Regionally, compliance with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) mandates monitoring, making systematic data vital for reporting and funding. No new laws were proposed, but enhanced frameworks could deter illegal activities across West Africa.

Conclusion

The University of Ghana’s regional workshop marks a milestone in advancing biodiversity conservation in West Africa. By sharing best practices in monitoring and protected area management, it paves the way for evidence-based strategies. As Kofi Amponsah Mensah emphasized, collaboration, technology, and youth engagement are cornerstones. Stakeholders must heed these insights to protect vital ecosystems for future generations. This event not only strengthens Ghana’s role but inspires sub-regional progress.

FAQ

What was the main theme of the University of Ghana workshop?

“Sharing Lessons and Best Practices in Biodiversity Monitoring for Protected Area Management in West Africa.”

Which technologies were highlighted for biodiversity monitoring?

Camera traps, deployed in Ghana’s Ankasa/Nini Suhien Conservation Area and Digya National Park through a CBCR-IUCN project.

Who participated in the event?

Park managers, lecturers, government representatives, NGOs, and experts from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Why is systematic biodiversity monitoring important?

It ensures repeatable, high-quality data for evidence-based decisions in protected areas.

What role do NGOs play in conservation?

They lead research, community projects, and bridge gaps between locals and broader efforts.

University of Ghana hosts regional discussion on strengthening biodiversity conservation – Life Pulse Daily