Sunyani: More than 200 students, practitioners, and educators have undergone a four-day short course on forest landscape restoration and governance. The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), in collaboration with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Presbyterian University, Ghana, organized the training designed to equip participants with the requisite practical knowledge and skills in forest restoration and governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, the course is part of the implementation of the 'BIFN Climate FY2023/ZA-International Model Forest Network-CIFOR' project under the International Model Forest Network. This initiative is supported by the Canadian-funded Global Forest Leadership programme and the Pan-African Restoration Education Initiative, which aim to strengthen restoration skills and competencies among students, practitioners, and educators.
The program also contributed to the implementation and expansion of the Pan-African Restoration Education curriculum, which seeks to promote transformative teaching approaches in restoration studies. Additionally, it aims to institutionalize restoration education through curriculum development and accreditation.
Professor John Kuwornu, the Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UENR, addressed a ceremony at the university campus in Sunyani. He explained that the institution has consistently invested in research, training, and partnerships that promote ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable landscape management. He stated that the short course reflects UENR's long-term vision of leading restoration education and practice in the country, Africa, and beyond.
Prof. Kuwornu emphasized the importance of forests in climate change mitigation and addressing other environmental challenges. He noted that successful restoration depends not only on technical solutions but also on effective governance, sound policies, strong institutions, and inclusive multi-stakeholder processes. The course was thus designed to equip participants with practical and conceptual tools to access restoration opportunities and design sustainable, context-specific interventions.
Prof. Kuwornu also mentioned that UENR, along with its partners, plans to roll out a Master of Science (MSc) programme in forest landscape restoration and management. Furthermore, they intend to hold an international conference on forest landscape governance.