Talensi: The Forum for Natural Regeneration (FONAR), an environmental-focused non-governmental organization, has inaugurated Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Eco-Clubs for basic school children in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region. The initiative aims to engage young students in environmental conservation efforts.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ceremony took place at the Sakorit Basic School and included symbolic tree pruning by FONAR staff, Eco Club teachers, and members. The project is part of the "Regreening Communities Through School Kids FMNR Eco-Clubs in Talensi District, Northern Ghana" initiative, supported by funding from the Heidehof Foundation of Germany and Aweaken Trees of Austria. It is set to benefit 10 rural public basic schools in the district.
Mr. Christopher Pubeng, a Programme Officer at FONAR, addressed the Eco-Club members and Ghana Education Service staff, highlighting the project's goal of empowering children and teachers to participate in local landscape regreening. He noted that the two-year project, covering 2025 to 2026, aims to increase community awareness about the importance of trees and FMNR practices for improved livelihoods.
Mr. Sumaila Seidu Saaka, the Executive Director of FONAR, emphasized the initiative's purpose of building young FMNR champions to advocate for tree stewardship and environmental conservation. He explained that the FMNR technique is simple, low-cost, and offers high returns, urging schools and communities to embrace the initiative for land restoration.
Mr. Saaka also mentioned that the FMNR initiative is recognized by the European Union Sustainable Development Goals as a good practice for restoring nature and called on the government to prioritize it in the Trees for Life Initiative. He highlighted the FMNR's low cost, high survival rate, and cultural sensitivity as advantages for restoring degraded lands in Northern Ghana.
Madam Rita Alemya, Headmistress of Sakorit Primary School, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting its potential to regreen schools and communities while instilling FMNR practice importance in students. Mr. Silas Mahama, the Project Focal Person for FONAR, stressed the importance of student and teacher commitment to the project's success.
Mr. Robert Dormbiyeng, the School Management Committee Chairman of Sakorit Basic School, pledged community support for the initiative and urged project coordinators to reach out when needed. Mr. Joseph Zida, the District Human Resource Person and representative of the District Education Director, praised FONAR and its partners for the initiative and encouraged schools to maximize the eco-clubs' potential.
