Establishing a sanctuary to enhance protection

The project goal is to replicate the innovative conservation approach pioneered by NCRC and traditional communities at the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, Upper West Region, Ghana in order to create a community protected sanctuary for the Western Sitatunga in the freshwater wetlands of the Avu Lagoon in the Volta Region of Ghana. This project is important because the Western Sitatunga was recently discovered in Ghana and is very rare throughout its range, especially in West Africa where the species is suffering a dramatic decline. This antelope was discovered in the Avu Lagoon in 1998 as a result of a joint effort between the Wildlife Division and NCRC. Horn and skin trophy samples of the antelope collected from local hunters led to the investigation of the species and its subsequent identification as Western Sitatunga. Further confirmation included a brief aerial survey of the area with visual sightings. NCRC’s approach at the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary is an innovative and pragmatic model which has, within 6 years, delivered dramatic results for conservation, community development and poverty reduction. The Wechiau Sanctuary is now one of Ghana’s leading conservation initiatives and a clear evolution beyond previous conservation models. There are growing demands from communities, traditional leaders and government representatives in Ghana for NCRC to lead in replicating this model in new locations. Successful implementation of this project will demonstrate how conservation of the Sitatunga can jointly contribute to enhanced wetlands protection, new economic opportunities and reduced poverty. Project objectives will include: 1. Baseline survey to identify of biological parameters relevant to Western Sitatunga within the proposed sanctuary area. This survey will focus on population issues of the species and aim to define best biological boundaries of the proposed sanctuary. 2. Ethnic and socio-economic baseline survey to identify of human communities and traditional councils within the study area. This survey will focus on possible special relationships which may exist between the human communities and sitatunga and also on defining best human boundaries of the sanctuary. 3. Initiate the negotiation process leading to the establishment of a Western sitatunga sanctuary in the wetlands of the Avu Lagoon. This would be the 1st such protected area for this species in Ghana. 4. Establish a community management board for the sitatunga sanctuary.

Creation of a self-sustaining, community-managed conservation initiative to enhance protection of the Western Sitatunga in the Avu Lagoon wetlands complex: Biological and socio-economic surveys have been carried out which will provide a basis for future decision-making. Production of an extensive Work Summary which results have been distributed to all stakeholders Resulting form a negotiation process are a signed Statement of Intent, and an approved Concept Paper. Community stakeholders have selected representatives for the management board; first official board meeting has taken place. Priorities have been set for further action, to create a long-term, self-sustaining conservation area. Reduction of threats to the ecosystem and biodiversity: Resulting from the community negotiation process are increased community awareness of conservation issues and a consensus about future conservation work in the area. The Xavi Ecotourism Project has shared their eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation experiences The inhabitants of the wetlands area are aware of the importance of a total ban on sitatunga hunting. Poverty alleviation: Material contributions, such as canoes for accessing the wetlands and a commitment made by a private sponsor to fund a well or borehole for at least one community. All of the communities benefited from the temporary employment and payment for services by research teams. Improved management of the area’s natural resource base for future use, as more farmers, fishermen, and hunters seek to minimize their impact on the sitatunga and its wetlands habitat. The establishment of a representative management board provides the foundation for future decisions about the use of natural resources and the sharing of benefits in a fair and equitable fashion.