When: Wednesday 27th November 2024, 14:30-15:30 GMT
Where: Online (Zoom) / Melbourne House boardroom (for Centre members)
Title: Revisiting fire management in Ghana: Integrating historical practices, institutional dynamics and collaborative approaches
Speaker: Godwin Dzekoto, A Rocha Ghana
Abstract
Fire management in Ghana has historically been shaped by a complex interplay of traditional practices, colonial legacies, and modern policy frameworks. This seminar centers on the importance of fire management strategies that are rooted in the practical realities of Northern Ghana’s savannah landscape. By examining Ghana’s historical fire policies and the role of NGOs in environmental and fire management, the discussion highlights the institutional impediments and power imbalances that hinder effective knowledge production and on-the-ground management. The presentation advocates for co-produced knowledge and collaborative research as essential to overcoming these challenges. Finally, it showcases a successful community-based fire management programme, demonstrating the potential of integrating local knowledge and practices with broader institutional frameworks. This approach offers a path toward more practical, equitable, and sustainable fire management in Ghana.
Speaker Bio
Godwin Evenyo Dzekoto is the Northern Sector Manager for A Rocha Ghana, an environmental conservation NGO operating in Ghana since 1999. With a background in Environment and Resource Management, Godwin has been part of several communities based projects that have led to transformation in biodiversity conservation and community livelihoods in the northern and other regions of Ghana. He has over a decade of experience in the conservation of important ecological habitats such as forest reserves and protected areas; Landscape Governance, Conservation Education, Research, Community based natural resource management initiatives, green livelihood enhancement, land degradation neutrality, nature-based solutions, policy engagements as well as Climate change mitigation mechanisms.
Fire in Practice seminars
The Fire in Practice – Conversations with Wildfire Practitioners seminar series, organised by the Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society, aims to explore the developments and challenges in the ‘real world’ of landscape fire, reflecting on the role and opportunities of research in addressing the issues. The seminars are held online and are free and open to all interested audiences. Each seminar involves 30-40min of a guest speaker presentation, followed by opportunity for Q&A and discussion.
Once you have registered, you will receive a joining link closer to the event.
Some of our past webinars can be viewed on our youtube channel.
The Leverhulme Centre for Wildfires, Environment and Society is a collaboration between Imperial College London, King’s College London, Royal Holloway, and the University of Reading.
Any queries, please contact wildfire@imperial.ac.uk
