BSc. Nature Conservation Management

BACKGROUND

Conservation of biological diversity is very important in Ghana because many of the species are endemic in the country and this has compelled Ghana to reserve over 300 pieces of land for conservation of biological diversity. In addition, a national strategy for the conservation of biodiversity has been developed under the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, there has been an increase in the degradation of natural resources in Ghana which is indicative of the inadequate knowledge, skills and poor attitudes towards biodiversity.

Ghana has a long history of managing biological diversity dating back almost a century. However, increasing pressures on land for developmental projects over the past decades has resulted in the depletion of natural resources. This undermines the sustainable production of goods and services derived from biodiversity. The situation has worsened to the extent that Ghana is unable to meet even the domestic demand for goods and services generated from biodiversity although Ghana used to be a net exporter of bio-resources.

To ensure sustainable development, there is the need to introduce a programme to address the challenges confronting biological resources in the country and the sub-region as a whole. The BSc. Nature Conservation Management has been developed to help students acquire new knowledge and innovative skills. Additionally, the proposed programme will allow students to familiarize themselves with new opportunities, institutional changes, regional and subregional cooperation as well as developments in nature conservation management.

The BSc. Nature conservation management Programme focuses on policy, sustainable management and conservation of biological diversity. The understanding, and predicting the effect of phenomena such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecotourism, timber production, aquaculture and animal reintroduction have become a matter of urgency in the era of changing world and variable climatic conditions. Discernments into all facets of biological diversity conservation are required to address these issues. This programme represents an integrated approach to renewable natural biological resource management that can be applied at different scales, to diverse ecosystems and in varying political and social contexts. An outstanding research environment and three comprehensive specializations contribute to making the programme challenging and it is committed to the protection, sustainable management and rational use of the biological resources.

Ghana is committed to work towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of note are SDGs 14 and 15 that are devoted to life under water and life on land. It is estimated that over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, yet 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks are overexploited, reaching below the level at which they can produce sustainable yields. In addition, human life depends on land for sustenance and livelihood. Plant life provides 80 percent of the human diet, and forests cover 30 percent of the Earth’s surface that provide vital habitats for millions of species, and important sources for clean air and water, as well as being crucial for combating climate change. Every year, 13 million hectares of forests are lost, while the persistent degradation of drylands has led to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares, disproportionately affecting poor communities. While 15 percent of land is protected, biodiversity is still at risk. Nearly 7,000 species of animals and plants have been illegally traded. Wildlife trafficking not only erodes biodiversity, but creates insecurity, fuels conflict, and feeds corruption.

Furthermore, Ghana committed to enforce the world’s species trade treaty – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This treaty regulates trades in species all over the world to prevent extinction through trade. Therefore, a programme to train personnel to contribute to sustainable utilization and survival of biological components of the earth is required.

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

SSCE/GBCE

Credit Passes (A-D) in three (3) core English, core Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies and any three elective subjects which should include at least one of the following: Economics; Geography; Mathematics; Biology; Chemistry, Physics and General Agriculture with aggregate score of 24 or better.

WASSCE Applicants

At least a credit (A1-C6) in core English, core Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies and any three elective subjects which should include at least one of the following: Economics; Geography; Mathematics; Biology; Chemistry Physics; Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Crop Science with an aggregate score of 36 or better.

A Level Certificate Applicants

Passes in three (3) subjects (at least, one of the passes should be Grade D or better). Besides, the applicant must have had credit passes (Grade 6) in five GCE Ordinary Level subjects (or its equivalent) including English Language, Mathematics and a science subject (for non-science students) and an Arts subject (for science students). A pass in General Paper must also be obtained.

HND/Diploma Applicants

HND holders, Second Class (Upper and Lower Division) with relevant background may be admitted in Third Year of the programme after passing an interview, while HND First Class may be considered for admission without an interview. Two-year Diploma holders, Second Class (Upper and Lower Division) may be admitted into second year while three years Diploma with distinction may be admitted into third year of the programme without interview.

Mature Applicants

• The applicant must be at least 25 years old; The applicant must show proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date;
• Holders of WASSCE, SSSCE or any other nationally recognized standard High School level examinations (for qualifications from countries outside WAEC’s aegis) who do not qualify for direct entry but are 25 years of age or above.
• The applicant must pass the Mature Students’ Entrance Examination (English Language, Mathematics and General Paper) and a selection interview conducted for short-listed candidates.

Foreign Students

• The applicant must have qualifications equivalent to WASSCE, SSSCE, or GCE ’A’ Level to be considered for admission or any other nationally recognized standard High School level examinations (for qualifications from countries outside WAEC’s aegis).
• All foreign qualifications are to be referred to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for determination of equivalences and eligibility for admission.
• Applicants should have their results translated into English
• Applicants should be able to read and write in English.
• Applicants may also be required to pass an entrance examination and an interview.

 

EMPLOYMENT

Areas in which graduates of the programme are likely to be employed include:

Education and Research Institutions

▪     Universities and Colleges

▪     Research Institutions (CSIR)

▪     International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

▪     Private Research Institutions

Ministries

▪     Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

▪     Ministry of Agriculture

▪     Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

Agencies

▪     Environmental Protection Agency

▪     International Development Agencies

▪     Ghana Standard Authority

▪     Food and Drugs Authority

▪     Local Government Service

Industries

▪     Mining and Oil Companies

▪     Water Companies

▪     Development Authorities

▪     Environmental Consultancies

▪     Waste Management Companies and Service Providers

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)

▪     Policy and Advocacy Firms

▪     Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

▪     Environmental Services Providers Association (ESPA)

▪     Community Based Organisations (CBOs)