Our featured work

The Offinso Cocoa Agroforestry Project focuses on promoting sustainable cocoa farming practices in the Offinso region by integrating agroforestry systems. This initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of local farmers while enhancing environmental sustainability and biodiversity. By incorporating shade trees and diverse crops alongside cocoa plants, the project seeks to improve soil health, increase resilience to climate change, and boost cocoa yields. Additionally, the project emphasizes community involvement and education, providing training on agroforestry techniques, sustainable land management, and biodiversity conservation. Through these efforts, the Offinso Cocoa Agroforestry Project aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for cocoa farmers and the broader ecosystem. Watch this space for more on the project.

In the ongoing fight to safeguard our planet's rich tapestry of life, the Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) has a powerful new ally: Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). This international framework recognizes and supports effective conservation initiatives undertaken by various actors, not just government-established protected areas.

For ABC, a non-profit dedicated to preserving biodiversity through community-led solutions, OECMs present a game-changer. Here's how this framework aligns with and strengthens ABC's mission:

• Expanding the Conservation Net: OECMs can legitimize the vital conservation work undertaken by indigenous communities and private landowners who might lack formal recognition. This elevates their efforts, granting them greater stability and access to resources. Additionally, OECMs can help identify and document lesser-known conservation areas, bringing them under the umbrella of international recognition.

• Strengthening Conservation Practices: The OECM framework fosters the exchange of best practices among diverse conservation groups. ABC can leverage this platform to share its expertise in sustainable resource management and community engagement with a wider audience. OECMs can also attract additional funding and resources for conservation initiatives, empowering local communities and enhancing their ability to protect their environment.

• Boosting Advocacy Efforts: Documented success stories under the OECM framework serve as powerful tools for ABC. These examples showcase the effectiveness of collaborative conservation models, bolstering ABC's advocacy efforts for more inclusive and flexible conservation approaches. As OECMs gain traction, they can influence policy decisions towards supporting community-based conservation, a cornerstone of ABC's vision.

"OECMs are a significant step forward for biodiversity conservation," said Sulemana Abdulai, the Program Manager for Advocates for Biodiversity Conservation. "This framework acknowledges the valuable contributions of local communities and NGOs, and it provides a much-needed boost to our collective efforts to protect our planet's incredible biodiversity."

The future of environmental conservation hinges on collaboration and inclusivity. With the support of OECMs, ABC is well-positioned to make significant strides in achieving its mission of safeguarding our planet's irreplaceable biodiversity for generations to come.