Strengthening Forest Elephant Conservation through Science and Outreach, Ghana

: Conservation of forest elephants in Ghana is being strengthened through an integrated approach that combines science, management, and community outreach in the Bia Conservation Area, one of West Africa’s most important elephant habitats. Working in collaboration with the Ghana Wildlife Division, the project will conduct a comprehensive elephant census using standardized dung count and camera trap methods to update population estimates, while simultaneously assessing HEC through surveys and GIS mapping in fringe communities to identify hotspots and train over 120 farmers in practical mitigation techniques. Complementing these efforts, targeted conservation education and outreach programs, including school workshops and radio broadcasts, engage at least 2,000 local residents to foster coexistence, raise awareness, and build long-term stewardship. By integrating scientific data, community empowerment, and policy engagement, this effort will serve as a replicable model to enhance elephant survival, biodiversity protection, and human livelihoods in West Africa.

IEF #AF1062

Project Years: 2026

Project Partners:
Paul Tehoda, Department of Environmental Management and Technology, Koforidua Technical University