28/03/2026
Technology is increasingly transforming how local communities protect forests, and the results are tangible.
Between January –March, 2026, community monitors across 5 forest in the Region of Ghana used the Forest Watcher mobile application to identify and verify 36 alerts in near real-time.
Through field verification, monitors detected multiple cases of illegal mining and illegal timber harvesting within forest reserves, particularly in Krokosue forest landscapes. These findings were documented and reported to relevant authorities, including the Forestry Commission, for further action.
This initiative demonstrates how combining satellite-based forest monitoring (GLAD alerts) with community knowledge can significantly improve the accuracy, timeliness, and accountability of forest governance systems.
We are encouraged by how accessible and user-friendly the Forest Watcher tool has become, enabling communities to take a leading role in protecting their natural resources.
We acknowledge the World Resources Institute and Global Forest Watch for their continued support in equipping local actors with innovative tools that drive real impact on the ground.