Wildlife Division (Forestry Commission) — Ghana (2011)

Sea turtles in Ghana face many threats, both on the beaches and in their coastal habitats, and the threats are increasing because of inadequate community participation. To build local support for sea turtle conservation, the Wildlife division of Ghana’s Forestry commission has developed a community-based education and outreach program.

With the help of a 2011 SWOT grant, an education program was conducted in 30 schools and 15 communities in coastal Ghana. As part of the program, wildlife clubs were formed in schools to encourage students to protect sea turtles, and 20 local community members were trained to become turtle protection volunteers. Sea turtle informational booklets, brochures, and T-shirts were also developed, and five education billboards were designed to educate the communities and visitors about turtle laws.