To restore, conserve and sustainably manage degraded lands in Sokode Gbogame traditional area and traditionally protected forests (Sacred Grooves) to restore and conserve biological diversity, promote ecotourism and improve on the livelihood of the local communities.

The project involves:

1. Creation of Environmental Awareness and Capacity building for degraded land restoration and biodiversity conservation: Activities under this component will seek to educate and develop the capacities of traditional leaders, women?s groups; farmers, the youth and local environmental groups, in land restoration, sustainable management of community lands and biodiversity conservation. Community land restoration and biodiversity conservation groups will be formed, trained and made functional to implement the project activities. Various indigenous knowledge and techniques in natural resource management; and biodiversity conservation, especially the conservation of the royal pythons will be adopted to promote the conservation of endangered wildlife in the areas. Anti-bushfire campaigns will be intensified in the area.

2. Restoration of degraded lands and improved soil fertility conservation practices. This component will involve the creation and sustainable management of 100 ha community natural resource management area; introduction of soil improvement technologies, agroforestry, enrichment planting and coppice management and the establishment of community nursery to provide seedlings. The project will assist individual farmers, families and women?s groups to establish 40 ha woodlots. Community groups and individual volunteers will be trained in bush fire management techniques to avert the high incidence bushfires in the area.

3. Efficient woodfuel stoves and energy conservation practices introduced: This activity will introduce households to the construction and use of efficient woodfuel stoves, for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes. Energy conservation practices will be introduced to families to help minimize the high the consumption of energy in the area.

4. Ecotourism business enterprise development and alternative livelihood activities introduced to enhance biodiversity conservation: Activities to be pursued under this component will include the conservation of royal pythons and the development of ecotourism site at Akrofu traditional Area. The project will introduce snail farming, grass cutter rearing and honey production as alternative livelihood activities for families that will participate in the project. Women?s groups would be assisted to trade in non-timber forest products, and to develop local businesses to enhance biodiversity conservation.