REFloC (Resilient Ecosystems and Flourishing Communities) is dedicated to exploring the intricate connections between forest conservation and the well-being of forest-dependent communities in Ghana. Through participatory research methods and interdisciplinary collaboration, we work alongside local communities to understand their relationships with the land and forests.
Our mission is to co-create practical development toolkits and evidence-based policy recommendations that promote sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and social justice. We believe that thriving ecosystems and flourishing communities are inseparable, and our work reflects this fundamental principle.
We envision a Ghana where forest-dependent communities have the knowledge, resources, and agency to manage their natural resources sustainably. Where traditional ecological knowledge is valued alongside scientific research. Where policy decisions are informed by community voices and grounded in local realities.
Through our work in the Weto Range, we aim to create a model for community-led conservation that can be replicated across Ghana and beyond, demonstrating that environmental protection and human development can and must go hand in hand.
We prioritize local knowledge and ensure communities are active participants in all research and decision-making processes.
We bring together diverse expertise from academia, government, NGOs, and local communities to create holistic solutions.
Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous research, combining scientific methods with traditional ecological knowledge.
REFloC is a collaborative initiative bringing together researchers from leading universities, government agencies, local NGOs, and community organizations. Our interdisciplinary team includes experts in ecology, geography, anthropology, economics, and development studies.
We work closely with traditional authorities, community leaders, and local residents in the Weto Range to ensure our research is relevant, respectful, and responsive to community needs and priorities.
