BACKGROUND Conservation of biological diversity is very important in Ghana because many of the species are endemic in the country and this has compelled Ghana to reserve over 300 pieces of land for conservation of biological diversity. In addition, a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity has been developed under the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, there has been an increase in the degradation of natural resources in Ghana which is indicative of the inadequate knowledge, skills and poor attitudes towards biodiversity. Ghana has a long history of managing biological diversity dating back almost a century. However, increasing pressures on land for developmental projects over the past decades has resulted in the depletion of natural resources. This undermines the sustainable production of goods and services derived from biodiversity. The situation has worsened to the extent that Ghana is unable to meet even the domestic demand for goods and services generated from biodiversity although Ghana used to be a net exporter of bio-resources. To ensure sustainable development, there is the need to introduce a programme to address the challenges confronting biological resources in the country and the sub-region as a whole. The BSc. Nature Conservation Management has been developed to help students acquire new knowledge and innovative skills. Additionally, the proposed programme will allow students to familiarize themselves with new opportunities, institutional changes, regional and subregional cooperation as well as developments in nature conservation management. The BSc. Nature conservation management Programme focuses on policy, sustainable management and conservation of biological diversity. The understanding, and predicting the effect of phenomena such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecotourism, timber production, aquaculture and animal reintroduction have become a matter of urgency in the era of changing world and variable climatic conditions. Discernments into all facets of biological diversity conservation are required to address these issues. This programme represents an integrated approach to renewable natural biological resource management that can be applied at different scales, to diverse ecosystems and in varying political and social contexts. An outstanding research environment and three comprehensive specializations contribute to making the programme challenging and it is committed to the protection, sustainable management and rational use of the biological resources. Ghana is committed to work towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of note are SDGs 14 and 15 that are devoted to life under water and life on land. It is estimated that over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, yet 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks are overexploited, reaching below the level at which they can produce sustainable yields. In addition, human life depends on land for sustenance and livelihood. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface that provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change. Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares, disproportionately affecting poor communities. While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds corruption. Furthermore, Ghana committed to enforce the world’s species trade treaty – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This treaty regulates trades in species all over the world to prevent extinction through trade. Therefore, a programme to train personnel to contribute to sustainable utilization and survival of biological components of the earth is required. EMPLOYMENT Areas in which graduates of the programme are likely to be employed include: Education and Research Institutions ▪ Universities and Colleges ▪ Research Institutions (CSIR) ▪ International Water Management Institute (IWMI) ▪ Private Research Institutions Ministries ▪ Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation ▪ Ministry of Agriculture ▪ Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Agencies ▪ Environmental Protection Agency ▪ International Development Agencies ▪ Ghana Standard Authority ▪ Food and Drugs Authority ▪ Local Government Service Industries ▪ Mining and Oil Companies ▪ Water Companies ▪ Development Authorities ▪ Environmental Consultancies ▪ Waste Management Companies and Service Providers Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) ▪ Policy and Advocacy Firms ▪ Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) ▪ Environmental Services Providers Association (ESPA) ▪ Community Based Organisations (CBOs)

Certificate Type

Mode of Study/teaching

Time of Study

Duration

4 Years

Campus Region & Location

Region: Eastern

Location: Somanya