Knowledge for World Conservation - KWC

27/04/2026

📢 Industry Update:
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has introduced two National Standards for the wood sector: GS 1190:2025 (2nd Edition) for grading tropical round logs, and GS 1173:2017 (2025) for quality requirements for desks, tables, and computer stands.

These standards will help log buyers, sawmills, furniture makers, exporters, plantation developers, community forest groups, and wood users learn how to grade timber correctly, improve product quality, support fair pricing, and build trust in locally produced wood products.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay competitive.
For details, contact the Ghana Standards Authority.

21/04/2026

To strengthen timber traceability and improve coordination between domestic and export tracking systems, KWC convened a two-day stakeholder roundtable in Accra on the integration of the DWTS and GWT-DSS. The meeting brought together Forestry Commission divisions, industry associations, and development partners to explore practical pathways for system integration and improved legality assurance in Ghana’s timber sector. Participants agreed on key steps towards enhancing governance, improving system usability, and strengthening transparency across the timber value chain under FGMC Phase II.

21/04/2026

On 17 March 2026, KWC convened an exciting Open Policy Dialogue on Timber Legality and Forest Governance in Kumasi under the FGMC 2 project. The meeting brought together over 100 stakeholders, including timber operators and regulators from the Forestry Commission (FSD and TIDD). Discussions focused on key challenges such as tax compliance, licensing bottlenecks, timber grading disputes, and access to legal timber. Participants emphasized the need for simpler tax systems, improved regulatory access, and stronger collaboration across the timber value chain.

The dialogue reinforced the importance of continuous engagement to strengthen compliance and promote sustainable forest governance in Ghana.

21/04/2026

The Women in Timber Ghana Association (WITG), with support from KWC under an FGMC project titled, Advancing Good Forest and Mineral Governance to Reduce the Contribution of Timber Trade and Mining to Deforestation in Ghana, Liberia, and Cameroon”, held a successful consultative brainstorming session to kick-start the development of a 5-year Strategic Plan. Members reflected on their journey, defined priorities, and co-created a shared vision for a stronger, more impactful association in sustainable forest governance. This SP will ensure that from leadership to climate action and business development, women in the timber sector will step forward to lead change!

20/04/2026

KWC was honoured to participate in the FGMC Stakeholder Forum 2026, held on 14–15 April 2026 in London, UK. Represented by Betty Boante Abeyie as part of the Ghanaian delegation, the Forum provided a valuable platform to better understand the ambitions of the programme, reflect collectively on its goals, and strengthen relationships with local and international partners within the growing Community of Practice. The event created meaningful opportunities for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders working to improve worldwide.

Key takeaways from the Forum highlighted that without good forest governance, achieving tangible and lasting results is not possible. Strong governance systems form the foundation for sustainable financing, while transparency remains central to building trust and effectiveness at all levels. As implementing partners under the FGMC programme, particularly through the project titled “Advancing Good Forest and Mineral Governance to Reduce the Contribution of Timber Trade and Mining to Deforestation in Ghana, Liberia, and Cameroon”, we have a critical role to play in promoting accountability, strengthening governance structures, and supporting transparent systems that safeguard forests for future generations.

31/03/2026

Introducing new resources for farmers, producer groups, and forest fringe communities in Ghana!

We are excited to introduce two simplified guidebooks developed by KWC under the FAO-funded Restoration for Resilience and Recovery (3R) of Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Project.

📘1. Understanding Forest Tenure and Benefit Rights in Ghana [https://kwcgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GUIDE-1_Understanding-Forest-Tenure-and-Benefit-Rights-in-Ghana.pdf]
📗2. Roles and Responsibilities of Forest and Farm Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and Forest Fringe Communities (FFCs) in Ghana [https://kwcgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GUIDE-2_Roles-and-Responsibilities-of-Forest-and-Farm-Producer-Organisations-FFPOs-and-Forest-Fringe-Communities-FFCs-in-Ghana.pdf]

These practical guides explain tenure, benefit rights, and stakeholder responsibilities using illustrations and easy-to-follow explanations. They are designed specifically for farmers, plantation developers, cooperatives, producer groups, and forest fringe .

25/03/2026

Did you miss our recent news report covering the one-day stakeholder workshop organized for cocoa farmers, tree plantation developers, and forest fringe communities? The report highlights the key issues at the workshop - tree ownership, benefit-sharing from timber and carbon projects, and community responsibilities in forest governance.

This is a news report covering a one-day stakeholder workshop organized by KWC for cocoa farmers, tree plantation developers, and forest fringe communities. ...

16/03/2026

We recently convened a training workshop under the Restoration for Resilience and Recovery (3R) of Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Project, bringing together farmer cooperatives, plantation developers, and community leaders from across Ghana’s forest zones to learn how to secure forest tenure rights and access benefit-sharing opportunities. See how this initiative is helping farmers and forest fringe communities better understand their rights and responsibilities. Read the full story…
https://kwcgh.org/farmers-and-communities-gain-clearer-understanding-of-forest-tenure-and-benefit-rights/

Forestry Commission Ghana Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Farmers, plantation developers and forest fringe communities have been empowered to understand forest tenure and benefit rights in a one-day training workshop by KWC

13/03/2026

Do farmers and forest communities fully understand their rights and responsibilities over trees and forest resources in Ghana?

As part of the "Restoration for Resilience and Recovery (3R) of Sustainable Agri-Food Systems" Project, KWC organized a training workshop for member groups of the Ghana Federation of Forest and Farm Producers (GhaFFap) and other cocoa farmer cooperatives on 12 March 2026 to create awareness on community forest rights and responsibilities, including legal tenure and benefit security. During the workshop, participants were introduced to two simplified guidebooks developed under the project;

1. Understanding Forest Tenure and Benefit Rights in Ghana and,
2. Roles and Responsibilities of Forest and Farm Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and Forest Fringe Communities (FFCs) in Ghana.

The sessions explained and simplified key concepts and demonstrated how participants can use the guidebooks as practical resources for navigating forest tenure systems, accessing benefit-sharing opportunities, and fulfilling governance responsibilities. Participants committed to transferring the knowledge gained to their cooperative members and the wider network of farmer associations and forest fringe community members.

26/01/2026

The Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC) is inviting qualified and experienced consultants to apply for a consultancy to support the development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Women in Timber Ghana Association (WiTG).

Details: https://kwcgh.org/call-for-consultancy-five-year-strategic-plan-for-women-in-timber-ghana-association/

This consultancy is part of the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate (FGMC) Phase II project, “Advancing Good Forest and Mineral Governance to Reduce the Contribution of Timber Trade and Mining to Deforestation in Ghana, Liberia, and Cameroon,” funded by UK International Development (UKID) and implemented by a four-member consortium led by Nature & Development Foundation (NDF).

KWC is seeking an experienced consultant to support the development of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for Women in Timber Ghana Association (WiTG).

24/12/2025

As the year draws to a close, Knowledge for World Conservation (KWC) extends its sincere appreciation to our partners, collaborators, and all stakeholders across Ghana’s forest sector. Without you, our work would not be possible. Your support, in many forms, has helped make our efforts toward sustainable forest management and conservation more meaningful and impactful.

We send warm season’s greetings and wish you continued success and fruitful collaboration in 2026.