Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reductions Project

The forest ecosystem of Ghana’s northern savanna zone is characterized by nearly 400 million shea and other trees growing naturally as part of traditional farming. Climate change, transitioning to more modern agricultural production and a heavy reliance on wood for charcoal production are now placing a severe strain on this ecosystem.

This project will restore degraded savannah forests and strengthen livelihoods in this area through enhanced ecosystem services. It will do this, among a number of measures, by supporting self-financing community management to restore savannah forests and by using public-private partnerships to restore degraded shea parklands. It will also strengthen REDD+ systems. Shea landscapes are important sources of carbon storage, and they can improve adaptive capacities by making ecosystems more resilient. The harvesting of nuts from shea trees which are used in cosmetics is a key source of livelihoods in the region and provides critical economic support to women in particular.