Our Journey From Some Where in Africa-Ghana-Accra
Today marks another significant milestone in my journey with nature and conservation. It all started back in 2015 when I met my dear friend Hannes Oehm from Germany. Little did I know that this friendship would spark a deep love and appreciation for the natural world within me.
Hannes had to move back to Germany in 2016, and I thought our paths would never cross again. However, fate had different plans. In 2019, Hannes returned to Ghana, and our reunion reignited our friendship and introduced me to the wonders of nature.
During our time together in 2019, Hannes shared his experiences and love for nature, which left a lasting impact on me. It was then that I decided to embark on my own journey of exploring and documenting the natural world around me. I joined iNaturalist, an online platform for nature enthusiasts, where I could contribute to scientific research and connect with a global community of like-minded individuals.
Inspired by my newfound passion, I took the initiative to form a school club at Regent University focused on environmental conservation. Our club quickly gained momentum, attracting students who shared our vision. Together, we organized various activities to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
In 2022, our efforts expanded beyond the school grounds. We then form an environmental organization called the Green Land Nkyirimma Organization (GLaNO), an environmental organization dedicated to protecting Ghana's biodiversity. Through our joint efforts, we successfully planted over 150 trees in our school and the Mendskrom community. This reforestation initiative helped restore some long-lost species to their natural habitats, a small but significant step towards a healthier environment.
This year, we took our commitment to the next level. We organized an environmental competition among Junior High Schools in the Weija-Gbawe municipality. The competition encompassed various activities such as essay writing, quizzes, tree planting, and capturing pictures of biodiversity, which were then uploaded on iNaturalist.
Recognizing the importance of connecting with nature, we allocated 50% of the total marks to the act of capturing pictures and uploading them on iNaturalist. We firmly believe that the closer you get to nature, the more you develop an affinity and passion for protecting it.
As I reflect on our journey, I am filled with gratitude for the bond of friendship that brought Hannes and me together. His return to Ghana awakened a dormant love for nature within me, which has now grown into a profound commitment to conservation. Our collective efforts have not only helped restore nature's balance but also inspired many others to join us on this incredible journey.
Nature has a unique way of touching our hearts and souls, and it is through the collaboration of friends like Hannes and me that we can make a meaningful difference in preserving our planet for future generations.