GLFx Tamale Champions Indigenous Conservation at Yiworgu

Indigenous Wisdom and Sacred Forests: A Model for Sustainable Conservation

In the Yiworgu community, located in the Savelugu Municipality, a unique initiative is taking shape that combines indigenous knowledge with modern environmental practices to promote sustainability and forest conservation. This effort is being spearheaded by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) through its local network chapter, GLFx Tamale, in collaboration with the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS). The focus of this initiative is the Maltiti Shrine, an ancient 12-acre sacred forest that has been preserved for generations through spiritual reverence and traditional customs.

The Maltiti Shrine, named after the phrase “Make things better for us,” embodies the community’s deep-rooted philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. This principle continues to guide conservation efforts in the area, ensuring that the forest remains untouched by destructive activities such as tree felling or hunting. The shrine is protected by strict rules that are enforced through spiritual beliefs and cultural taboos.

Mr. Abukari Wumbei Gundadow, the Chief Priest of the shrine, shared insights about the significance of these traditions. He explained that no one is allowed to cut a tree or kill an animal within the shrine’s boundaries. According to him, “The gods protect this forest.” He recounted a story of a woman who violated the rules by cutting down a tree and later lost her life. Since then, the community has remained vigilant in upholding the laws of the shrine.

The Maltiti Shrine is home to several indigenous tree species, including Shea, Dawadawa, and Baobab, which serve as a living testament to how culture and tradition can support modern environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Beyond its ecological value, the shrine also functions as a center for healing, fertility, and spiritual protection, drawing visitors from across Ghana.

Recognizing the strength of these indigenous systems, the GLFx Tamale Chapter, led by RAINS, is working closely with the Yiworgu community to promote sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Mr. Mohammed Kamel Damma, a member of GLFx Tamale, emphasized that the Yiworgu experience demonstrates how traditional knowledge can complement modern sustainability practices.

He said, “The Yiworgu community has shown that traditional systems can protect nature. We are building on this model to help other communities integrate local wisdom with modern approaches to afforestation and agroecology.”

Through this collaboration, farmers in the Savannah Ecological Zone are being supported to adopt composting, reduce chemical fertilizer use, and practice organic pest control to restore soil fertility and promote sustainable agriculture. In partnership with the African Biodiversity Network, one acre of Tig trees has been cultivated, a species known for improving soil quality and providing shade, which enhances local ecosystem restoration.

Mr. Hardi Tijani, Executive Director of RAINS, highlighted the importance of traditional practices in addressing contemporary environmental and climate challenges. He noted that many communities have preserved forests for centuries through sacred sites like the Maltiti Shrine. He added that if tree planting is a response to climate change, then protecting these sacred forests is equally crucial.

RAINS and its partners are also working to revive indigenous seed varieties, enhance food security, and promote economic tree cultivation, particularly Shea, to empower women and smallholder farmers. The Maltiti Shrine serves not only as a cultural and spiritual attraction but also as a source of community pride and ownership.

The visit to Yiworgu was part of a media tour organized by the GLF through its GLFx network and in collaboration with the African Forest Forum. This tour aimed to showcase local initiatives that link traditional knowledge, sustainable land use, and climate action. While similar visits to the Eastern Region focused on forest protection and landscape restoration, the Yiworgu engagement underscored how the GLFx Tamale Chapter is promoting community-based conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Through this engagement, the GLF and its partners sought to amplify local conservation stories and demonstrate that the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science offers enduring solutions for people, nature, and the planet.