How are our protected areas doing? management effectiveness of three protected areas in Ghana

The management effectiveness of three protected areas, Mole National Park (MNP) in the Northern Region, and the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (SHRR) and the Densu Delta Ramsar Site (DDRS) both in the Greater-Accra Region of Ghana, were assessed. Park managers, wildlife officers and guards, and conservation practitioners were interviewed using the World Bank-WWF Alliance Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool Questionnaire (METT). Management effectiveness varied across the three protected areas (PAs). In general, the PAs were effective in conserving biodiversity, and ecological and cultural values. However, their contribution to improving standards of living of fringe communities remained a major management challenge, even though livelihood support programme existed in some communities surrounding the MNP and SHRR. A total of 21 threat factors were recorded for the PAs, with five of them, poaching, livestock grazing, bushfire, erosion and flooding being common to all the three PAs. The most severe and persistent threats varied from site to site. In all the PAs, management were constrained by inadequate funding, trained field personnel, and equipment and facilities. Addressing these constraints, therefore, may enhance the management effectiveness of these PAs.