Nature and Development Foundation (NDF)

Nature and Development Foundation (NDF) is a conservation organization with eight years of experience promoting responsible land use and biodiversity conservation through science-based field demonstrations and partnerships. With a mission to protect biodiversity while supporting local communities, NDF has established institutional credibility and has engaged in restoration activities, including collaborations with partners such as Emfed Farms on farm rehabilitation. The organization maintains strong relationships with the Forestry Commission and Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs), leveraging these partnerships to implement projects that integrate sustainable timber production and restoration, despite being primarily based in Accra.

The proposed project aims to restore 128 hectares of degraded land in the Krokosu Forest Reserve using a mixed-species agroforestry approach (Modified Taungya System). The initiative will rebuild biodiversity, enhance carbon storage, and generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities through employment and apiculture. Approximately 500 community members will be engaged in site preparation, planting, and maintenance, with a focus on fair wages and gender equity. Training in forestry and beekeeping will build local capacity, while CREMAs will be supported to integrate apiculture as an additional income source. The project includes structured maintenance and monitoring, with regular community-led activities, supervisory visits, and oversight from the Forestry Commission to ensure high survival rates and ecosystem recovery. By embedding communities in management and benefit-sharing, the project will restore forest cover, improve soil and water retention, enhance biodiversity, and create new income streams, ultimately strengthening local stewardship and resilience to climate change.