Forest Resource Management for Potential Carbon Sequestration through Local Self-Governance by Communities

Forest ecosystems worldwide have been dominated, shaped and influenced by anthropogenic activities for the past centuries. Deforestation has far-reaching consequences for soil quality, biodiversity and water resources. This activity not only undermines ecological integrity but also poses threats to sustainable agriculture, water supply, and biodiversity conservation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to protect remaining forest areas, restore degraded lands, and implement sustainable land management practices that balance environmental and developmental needs. Local governance of forest ecosystems has, in many cases, been very instrumental and effective at producing improved environmental, economic and social outcomes. This approach must be encouraged for the remaining forest ecosystems to be protected. Another approach to forest resource management utilizes silviculture to alter the composition, structure, and/or growth of the forest by integrating it with other tree species. Meanwhile, there is the need to act in response to the negative impacts of emissions through greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). Following this, sustainable ways to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere must be explored to mitigate this menace. However, agroecosystems that involve coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) plantations have been identified as one of the means that could significantly sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. This strategy will potentially reduce concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Coconut plantations exhibit similar characteristics and functions as in tropical forests but could potentially sequester carbon better. However, this strategy could only materialize if deliberate steps that promote local self-governance of Ghana’s forest resources are considered.