Accra, (Greater Accra) 22 Oct.,
A three-day workshop for wildlife officers and exporters in West Africa which will focus on research into conservation and sustainable use of wildlife species opened in Accra today. The workshop which is jointly organised by the Department of Game and Wildlife, World Conservation Union, Species Survival Commission and the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species, has the theme ”Sustainable Use of Wildlife in Africa”. The workshop will also make a list of species, especially birds and reptiles, and quantify trade, both locally and on the world market. Most of the 25 participants are from the West African Sustainable Use Specialist Group (WASUSG) who are specialists in the preservation and sustainable use of wildlife species on the continent. Dr Karimou Ambouta, chairman of WASUSG, said among the objectives of the workshop are highlights on the impact of trade, both locally and internationally, on the future of wildlife species in Africa. Dr Ambouta who presided said the workshop will study the biological background of the species as well as identify the situation with regard to their use for food, pets, and decorations. He said the workshop, which is the first in West Africa, will also review the knowledge of wildlife from the various countries and modify them to international standard and highlight the perspectives of legislations on wildlife trade in Africa. Mr Gerald A. Punguse, chief wildlife officer of the Department of Game and Wildlife, said Ghana has problems with her trading partners in wildlife species because of her stand on the conservation of the eco-system and called on the workshop to address the issue. He assured the participants that there will be no political pressure in their discussion and decisions.
