University of Ghana hosts West Africa biodiversity monitoring dialogue
The University of Ghana, Legon hosted a two‑day regional workshop on 27–28 November 2025 under the theme “Sharing Lessons and Best Practices in Biodiversity Monitoring for Protected Area Management in West Africa”. Organised by the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, the meeting brought together park managers, academics, government officials, NGOs and regional experts to strengthen monitoring systems that inform protected area management – a foundation for effective conservation and nature‑based tourism.
Key highlights included a four‑year CBCR collaboration with the IUCN SSC Species Monitoring Specialist Group that introduced technologies such as camera traps and built capacity in the Ankasa/Nini Suhien Conservation Area and Digya National Park, improving ecological data quality and access. Representatives from Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone underscored shared challenges – funding gaps, limited technical capacity and equipment – and called for stronger government backing, clearer legal frameworks, resources to tackle wildlife crime, and education initiatives to reconnect young people with nature.
Source: JoyNews
