B7-6201/97-14/VIII/FOR "Support for Development and Testing of a Forest Management Certification System in Ghana" by the Ministry of Lands and Forestry

Objective : To improve institutional capacity for sustainable forest management and conservation of forest ecosystems.

Beneficiaries : Government of Ghana, traditional landowners, different local stakeholders in forest management and particularly in certification

Result : Market demands for wood from forest reserves and non-reserved forest areas will be ensured that timber was sourced in accordance with ITTO "Objective 2000", and in accordance with acceptable and tested standards on criteria for quality management of Ghana's forest resources

Activities : Analysis of Ghana's institutional and legal framework. Development of criteria for the selection of stakeholder from the different socio-economic groups : landowners, farmers, tenants, landless labourers, industry, timber company employees and other stakeholders. Define stakeholder responsibilities in the existing legal framework. Field testing of the standard and its interpretation in suitable forest reserves and off-reserve forest areas. Make an inventory of the different log tracking systems available/used in the region and internationally. Analyse their efficiency and applicability to the Ghanaian conditions. Design and pilot test a log tracking system. Label timber harvested from sustainably managed forests. Carry out random sampling. Develop a proposal for financing of the log tracking system. Conduct publicity campaigns locally, regionally and in EU. Analyse various accreditation possibilities to determine one that suits the Ghanaian situation and select the appropriate accreditation system. Facilitate participation of Ghanaians in other EU/MS financed certification projects.

Coordination: Forest Certification Advisory Group