The EcoConscious Citizens, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on the environment, has collaborated with JCS Investments Limited to promote environmental conservation and to raise public awareness about the need to protect Atewa Forest Reserve.
The partnership was announced yesterday at the newly constructed eco-friendly bus stop constructed by JCS Investments Limited at Spintex, near Tema, where the company has provided space for environmental messages as part of efforts to promote public awareness of environmental issues.
Atewa Range Forest Reserve is a vital tropical upland rainforest in the Eastern Region, serving as a source of three rivers providing drinking water to more than five million Ghanaians.
The reserve has remained largely pristine since it was declared a forest reserve 100 years ago, but is now under threat from illegal miners, poachers and other activities.
In light of this, the two organisations have come together through the campaign, “Atewa Matters”, to raise awareness to have the Atewa Forest Reserve declared a national park to provide it with greater protection against illegal mining and other threats.
Water
The Executive Director of EcoConscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, said the campaign was aimed at ensuring that the forest received stronger protection through its declaration as a national park, emphasising that mining activities that polluted the forest had serious implications for the country’s water resources and the health of the population.
“Atewa is the home of endangered species, flora and fauna. Therefore, we need to preserve this habitat,” she said.
Galamsey
On illegal mining, she urged leaders to take decisive action, which was the only way the crisis could be solved.
She said the government needed to go beyond what she described as “little battles” involving occasional arrests and the destruction of some excavators and instead adopt a more comprehensive approach.
Eco-bus stop
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JCS Investments Limited, Patricia Safo, said the company decided to construct the eco-centric bus stop after observing the construction of conventional bus stops across the municipalities.
The company approached the relevant municipal authorities with the proposal and was granted permission to construct the facility.
Ms Safo said the facility was intended to provide a platform for environmental education and the promotion of environmental issues, particularly because there were limited public spaces dedicated to such messages.
The CEO said JCS Investments Limited had been involved in impact investments for more than 20 years and believed that everyday actions had consequences for the environment and future generations.
She urged individuals to reflect on their actions and consider whether they were contributing positively to the environment or degrading it.
