Indigenous vs. introduced biodiversity conservation strategies : the case of protected area systems in Ghana

Today, these systems exist alongside but exclusive of indigenous protected area systems. This short report compares the introduced systems, comprised of forest reserves and wildlife conservation areas, with local systems, which include sacred groves and rivers, royal burial grounds, and totem and tabooed species, and recommends ways in which the two might be integrated. The report specifically examines in detail sacred groves and wildlife conservation areas and forest preserves, and discusses their effectiveness in biodiversity conservation. In the past, Ghana"s sacred groves have ensured resource preservation through cultural taboos and religious rights, but the survival of the groves is threatened by the erosion of traditional beliefs. Similarly, wildlife areas and forest reserves are increasingly threatened by illegal farming, resource collection, and tree felling by indigenous peoples who have been alienated by policies that exclude them from management of the protected areas and demand that they conserve resources on which they depend for day-to-day survival. Other reasons for local resistance to government conservation programs include ignorance of environmental principles and policies and poor public relations on the part of conservation officers. Measures to include indigenous populations in protected area management, integrate traditional knowledge and practices into modern conservation strategies, and improve and public awareness of environmental issues are suggested in conclusion. References are included.