In a bid to safeguard the delicate ecological balance of the Jelinkon Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) and the Mole National Park Reserve, Northcode Ghana, a non-governmental organization, conducted a three-day intensive capacity enhancement program for the Jelinkon CREMA Executive Committees (CECs) and Community Resource Management Committees (CRMCs). The training, which is part of the Econobio 2 project, was funded by Noe.
The training aimed to equip 45 CREMA patrollers, along with CECs and CRMCs, with enhanced skills and knowledge in CREMA management and monitoring to address the detrimental impact of human activities on the region’s river bodies, arable lands, economic trees, shrubs, and the overall ecosystem.
Mr. Dokurugu Andrew, Technical Lead for Northcode, led the program, highlighting the adverse effects of unchecked activities such as wood logging, cattle grazing, and charcoal processing on the Jelinkon CREMA.
Emphasizing the importance of responsible management, he urged the CECs and CRMCs to play a pivotal role in reversing these trends, emphasizing the need for their collaboration with CREMA patrollers to ensure the integrity of the area.
Mole National Park Deputy Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Martin Ndego, underscored the crucial role played by the Jelinkon CREMA within the broader Mole landscape.
He educated participants on the duties, responsibilities, and powers of CRMCs and CECs in managing natural resources and also cautioned patrollers against carrying weapons without proper licensing, emphasizing the importance of working in harmony with community leaders.
Mr. Cletus Zume, Executive Director of Northcode, challenged the Jelinkon community to take ownership of the CREMA, recognizing its potential for tourism and income generation.
He assured the participants of ongoing efforts to secure additional funding for livelihood activities such as Shea picking, butter processing, and the expansion of beekeeping value chains.
Mr. Zume also announced Northcode’s commitment to electrifying Jelinkon, highlighting previous achievements, including pulling electricity from Sawla to Jelinkon with funding from the Nexan Foundation in France.
He encouraged participants to care for the provided facilities, including a dry season garden, honey processing center, and tricycle, to ensure sustained benefits for the community.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
