1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT AREA

Eguafo is an ancient settlement of the 11th century, which migrated from Old Ghana Empire through Techiman. They were the former overlords of Komenda, Edina and Abrem, which now constitute KEEAMA. Eguafo became very popular in the 15th Century by Nana Kwamina Ansah who leased the two pieces of land on which the Portuguese built the St. George?s Castle and Fort St Jago both in Elmina, once part of the Eguafo Empire. Eguafo was the first entry points to Africa through the West Coast of Africa.

In May 2006, the GEF/SGP under project GHA/SGP/06/092 assisted the two traditional communities to initiate actions that could be developed into a touristic haven for the socio-economic transformation of the people. The project was successfully implemented and the following were main outcome of the project:
Ecotourism Potentials Identified

? The project secured the boundaries of Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill Forests as remnants of the tropical high forests along the coastal savannah area with unique tree and animal species. The original boundaries of these traditional Protected Areas were identified and buffer zone created as seen in fig 1. The two natural heritages are central in the general environmental conservation effort of areas that are rapidly losing its natural systems to unbridled humans activities, namely farming, hunting and poaching. The project initiated agro-forestry and tree planting around the Dumpow and Abosom Aya Hill Forests with the view to creating a corridor conservation to eventually connect the TPAs to Pra Suhien Forest Reserve to the north.

? Other potential tourist sites identified during the project implementation were:
o The ruins of the Old Palaces which is of great archaeological and cultural importance to the history of Ghana
o Rich history about migration and early encounter with the Portuguese
o Beenuye Cultural Academy-
o The Posuban (housed and open)
o The Masuoleum and Archaeological/Historical Sites (Excavations)
o The Ayewakese Shrine
o Eguafo is already a site for traditional naming of our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora

Capacity building

The project successfully completed the following:

1. Increased awareness on effects of deforestation in the two communities. The project organized about 11 public durbars and community meeting covering about 3,000 people making good use of information and knowledge acquire for sustainable environmental management
2. Degraded areas around the two community forests were surveyed, demarcated and re-planted with indigenous species. About 25,000 seedlings were planted. Besides, fruit orchards were established within the buffer zone of Dumpow and Abosom Aya with the view to providing a ecological corridor joining the Pra Suhien forest reserve.
3. Important scenic sites, trails, medicinal plants within the two (2) forests area were identified
4. 20 community members were identified and trained as tour guards.
5. 150 community members provided with alternative sustainable livelihood in arts and crafts and supporting eco-tourism development.
6. Two traditional Protected Area Management Committees were formed and their capacities were strengthened to effectively manage the natural resources.
7. Traditional laws and regulations have been revised and are now being enforced. s as well as protecting other non developed community natural forest resources.

The Challenge

The previous intervention has been able to secure the boundaries of the Dumpow and Abosom Aya TPA but its potential a tourist attraction has not been fully promoted. Although local in a coastal savannah vegetation, the two TPA have high forest vegetation characteristics with clear signs of having been the habitat of varied animals and plant species. With careful protection/conversations measures, the tree and animal species could be nurtured back and be the basis of tours and interpretations.

The Dumpow hill is being linked to Abosom Aya, another forested hill to the north of Dumpow and locally regarded as the ?wife? of Dumpow. The conservation corridor that is being created between Dumpow and Abosom Aya would be ecologically significant, as it will create a habitat that will encourage varied animals and plant species to regenerate. It may be linked further northwards to Pra Shuien Forest Reserve and Perhaps to Kakum Conservation Area.

Preliminary trail routes have been already proposed for the forest, however, these could be expanded with the development of sanctuaries for birds and butterflies and watch towers. Dumpow hill was and still is a lookout post for fishermen at Elmina and other surrounding coastal villages. From the highest point of the hill, in clear weather, one could see as far as Sekondi/Takoradi and Cape Coast. Furthermore it provides a beautiful panoramic view of the entire district. In addition, gold was mined in the area and there is evidence of shafts that could be of great interest to visitors.

Developing the ecotourism potential of the areas requires:
? involving appreciation not only of nature, but also of indigenous cultures prevailing in natural areas, as part of the visitor experience;
? containing education and interpretation as part of the tourist offer; generally, but not exclusively, organized for small groups by small, specialized and locally owned businesses (while recognising that foreign operators also market and operate ecotourism);
? minimising negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment; supporting the protection of natural areas by generating economic benefits for the managers of natural areas; providing alternative income and employment for local communities; and increasing local and visitor awareness of conservation.

With preliminary ecotourism works started as shown above, the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust is seeking to partner with the GEF/SGP to complete the ecotourism project and hand it over to the communities to manage. The Traditional Council and the general people of Eguafo and Abrem Agona are in strong support of the project in the bid to protect their environment, create wealth for the community and eventually protect their heritage.


3.3 PROJECT GOAL/OBJECTIVES AND INTENDED RESULT
3.3.1 PROJECT GOAL

The goal of the project is to develop community-based ecotourism of the Eguafo and Abriem cultural heritage for biodiversity conservation and sustains the well-being of local people.
3.3.2 Immediate Objectives

(i) To develop the capacities of the local communities in the development, management and marketing of responsible, good quality ecotourism products.
(ii) To develop facilities and services within the two forests to promote the ecotourism potential of the area.

(iii) To promote alternative livelihood enterprises that support ecotourism development and conservation of biodiversity.

3.4 INTENDED RESULTS

1. Eguafo and Abriem cultural heritage and ecotourism development committee formed, registered, trained and empowered to promote ecotourism in the area.
2. Two Community?based Eco-Tourism Centres established and important scenic sites, trails, medicinal plants among others within the two (2) forests area Identified and developed for eco-tourism.
3. 150 community members provided with alternative sustainable livelihood in arts and crafts and supporting eco-tourism development.

4 PROJECT ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE OUTPUTS

Output 1: Eguafo and Abriem cultural heritage and ecotourism development committee formed, registered, trained and empowered to promote ecotourism in the area

1.1. Organize community awareness forums to deliberate on effects of deforestation, the importance of conservation and tree planting, forest and Wildlife policies and laws and ecotourism development
1.2. Develop an ecotourism Secretariat at Eguafo
1.3. Form nine member ecotourism development committee with representation from all stakeholders (45% women)
1.4. Organize training for the Committee members in project management, conflict resolution, ecotourism development,
1.5. Organize field visits for Ecotourism Committee to Kakum and other community based ecotourism sites in the country.
1.6. Train community tour guides and home operators
1.7. Register the Committee as an NGO with the Register General?s Department.
1.8. Get the Survey Department to get the surveyed maps of the two TPA signed and registered.
1.9. Gazette the laws and regulations governing the management of the TPA.

Output 2 Two Community?based Eco-Tourism Centres established and important scenic sites, trails, medicinal plants among others within the two (2) forests area Identified and developed for eco-tourism

2.1 Construct traditional buildings with indigenous architecture as an Reception Centre Facility- office space, washroom, seating area, etc
2.2 Develop an internet and website facilities for the project
2.3 Provide directional posts to the forest reserves.
2.4 Develop handouts and brochures on the project.
2.5 Construct a viewing platform and provide binoculars
2.6 Construct a Camping facility using mostly local materials.
2.7 Develop hiking trails and mark trees
2.8 Provide signages

Output 3: Community members supported with alternative sustainable livelihood, and traditional in arts and crafts and supporting eco-tourism development

1.1 Identify alternative means of livelihood with community members.
1.2 Help community members identify possible alternatives- Arts and Crafts, Beads, Batik Tie and Dye production, honey production, raising of small ruminants, etc.
1.3 Train identifiable members in enterprise development, management and marketing
1.4 Collaborate with other NGOs to support community- with inputs and micro- credit facilities.
1.5 Organize enterprise development, management and marketing for interested individuals.
1.6 Source for marketing avenues for produce
1.7 Develop demonstration site- Moringa plots, snail rearing, bee keeping, etc