Bibiani-Anwiaso-Bekwai Landscape Community members gathered at the Community Durbar yesterday to outdoor the “Building Resilient and Active Communities in Extractive Landscapes in Ghana (BRACE)” project, expressed concerns over the devastating impact of mining on the environment and food security in the landscape.

During the open forum discussion, participants highlighted how mining activities have led to widespread deforestation, resulting in the loss of fertile land, water pollution, and destruction of crops. This has threatened the food security of the community, as farmers struggle to maintain their livelihoods.

“The forest, the land, the river is our life, but mining is destroying it,” said a community leader. “We used to farm and harvest food, but now our crops are dying, and our rivers are polluted. We are at risk of hunger and poverty.”

BRACE project aimed at improving sustainable mining to safeguard the environment and protect individuals living in mining areas. BRACE underscores EU’s strong commitment to fostering responsible resource extraction practices that prioritize environmental preservation and the well-being of local communities.

However, With EUR 1.718 million funding from the European Union, the BRACE project, implemented by a consortium of not-for-profit organizations WACAM and Nature and Development Foundation (NDF)) led by A Rocha Ghana, also aims to ensure adherence to human rights, transparency, and accountability in mineral governance by contributing to sustainable and equitable environmental management and good natural resource governance in Ghana.

“We must act now to protect our environment and ensure food security for future generations,” said Kingsley Tsumasi, Coordinator of the BRACE project. “We will work together to find solutions that balance mining with environmental protection and community development.”

The community durbar was a crucial step in raising awareness and mobilizing action to address the environmental and food security challenges facing the Bibiani-Anwiaso-Bekwai landscape.