Community Conservation Resilience Initiative (CCRI)

Project Code: ENVCO2

Project Title: Community Conservation Resilience Initiative (CCRI)

Overview of Project: Unsustainable agricultural practices and unwise use of natural resources have been a persistent cause of degradation and deforestation leading to reduced livelihoods. The increasing and alarming rate of deforestation has huge implications for resilience of natural resources dependent communities as they dwell largely on these resources. Local communities have been using indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation and forest protection through observance of taboo, totems, sacred grooves and cultural rites. These practices although highly valued, are losing their significance due to modernity. Coupled with this, poor implementation of national policies and legislations has resulted in irresponsible communities’ stewardship in assuming full ownership and control right over resources for its sustainability.

The goal of the Initiative is to sustain and strengthen the resilience of community conservation practices, including Indigenous Peoples’ and community conserved territories and areas (ICCAs), in light of existing or potential external and internal threats. The main objective is to perform a bottom-up assessment of a.) the resilience of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ initiatives and approaches to conservation and restoration and b.) the legal, political, socio-economic, financial, technical, and capacity-building support that could assist in sustaining and strengthening such initiatives and approaches, and subsequently to secure those forms of support through strategic advocacy efforts.

Volunteer Roles: We welcome volunteers on board to support in achieving the objectives of the project. Come with creativity, innovativeness and ingenuity to strengthen the resilience of community conservation practices. We can support with documenting stories on existing community conservation practices working with the locals to come up with their own assessment, conducting awareness on biodiversity conservation, and supporting communities to establish strategic partnerships through multi-stakeholder dialogues. Volunteers are free to come up with innovative community events or awareness programs such as instituting community conservation schools or libraries.

Time Commitment: 4 weeks minimum

Qualification/Relevant Skills and Attitude: Qualification in natural resources management or related course, knowledge in sustainable development, ability to work with local communities, non-judgemental attitude and communication skills.

Accommodation: Homestay and Guest House options available on request

Location: Avu Lagoon (Avuto) and Weto Range (Kpoeta & Saviefe), Volta Region