The Resource Conservation Initiative has emphasised that forests remain one of the most valuable natural assets underpinning environmental sustainability and socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries like Ghana.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Forests (IDF), with the 2026 theme, “Forests and Economies.” The theme highlights the critical role forests play in driving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, reinforcing that economic development and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.
Programme Officer at RESCONI, Akosua Pokua Boakye, underscored the importance of the day on the global environmental calendar. She noted that forests support over 1.6 billion people worldwide and host more than 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, stressing their importance to both economic resilience and ecological stability.
“In Ghana, the forestry sector continues to play a vital role in national development. The sector contributes significantly to employment and export earnings, supporting over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating substantial foreign exchange through timber exports,” she said.
Ms. Boakye added that non-timber forest products such as mushrooms, medicinal plants, bushmeat, and fuelwood provide income, nutrition, and healthcare support for many rural households. She noted that Ghana’s economy, which depends heavily on natural resources and rain-fed agriculture, is closely linked to the health and sustainability of its forest ecosystems.
To mark the day, RESCONI, in collaboration with the Renewable Natural Resources Students Association of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, organised an inter-programme quiz competition and media engagement activities, including a visit to Focus FM.
The competition brought together students from Forest Resource Technology, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Science programmes. It aimed to deepen understanding of forestry concepts, climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
RESCONI also engaged students and the public through an educational discussion on Focus FM, highlighting the economic importance of forests, emerging environmental challenges, and the role of youth in advancing conservation efforts.
Tahiru Saani, a third-year Forest Resource Technology student, said the activities strengthened awareness of the economic importance of forests and their role in national development.
“The event encouraged critical thinking and promoted active participation of the youth in forest conservation efforts,” he added.
At the end of the competition, Forest Resource Technology emerged winners, receiving a cash prize of GH₵700, learning materials, and certificates. Natural Resource Management placed second, earning GH₵300 along with learning materials and certificates, while Environmental Science received educational materials and certificates.
RESCONI reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability, capacity building, and youth-driven advocacy, calling on all stakeholders to support sustainable forest management and safeguard forest resources for future generations.
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