Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN) and ClientEarth in partnership with Nkawie District of the Forest Service Division commemorated the International Day of Forests with a district forest forum at Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region. The forum dubbed “Fostering partnership to safeguard our forests” served as an avenue to educate and promote collaboration among the different stakeholders including community groups, traditional leaders, different governmental institutions, departments and agencies and private sector to address the menace of deforestation and forest degradation and its associated impact on the environment and humanity.

The messages from the Director of RAIN, District Manager of the Forest Service Division – Nkawie and the Director of CHED for Atwima Mponua District, all centered on the need to protect and safeguard our forest to enable it play the direct and indirect functions including provision of food, water and medicine for the wellbeing and health needs of people. Participants were enlightened on some actions that have led to the destruction of most forest reserves in the country which includes; illegal mining, illegal farming, and illegal logging amongst others. The impact of the loss of forest on the individual and the environment were discussed as well as measures that should be implemented to safeguard the forest.

Mr. Dawson from the Minerals Commission educated participants on illegal mining. Some of the rules with respect to mining were also mentioned. Participants were urged to help report any illegal mining activities in their communities to help reduce land degradation, water pollution and loss of livelihood. The chief linguist of the Nyinahin Traditional Council, commended RAIN and other stakeholders for the insightful discussion. He pledged to support communities to address the issues of illegal mining whilst working together with communities so that they do not lose their source of livelihood.