Investigating Climate Change Impact on Ghana’s Bobiri Forest Reserve

This article discusses how a team of scientists is studying the effects of extreme heat on the Bobiri forest reserve in Ghana using thermal imaging technology. Their research aims to inform tree-planting strategies and enhance local scientific capacity while addressing the global implications of climate change on tropical forests.

The recent study in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest Reserve examines the impact of extreme heat on tropical trees. Scientists utilize thermal cameras to monitor temperature variations among various species, which aids in understanding their health and the functioning of the broader forest ecosystem. Collaborating with researchers from Plymouth University, this study seeks to enhance Ghana’s tree-planting initiatives and bolster local scientific capabilities while contributing to international data analysis on tree growth and health.

The 55 sq km Bobiri Forest supports an array of native species like African mahogany and black hyedua, in addition to hosting a rich diversity of butterflies. A metal tower equipped with thermal cameras and a weather station allows for continuous observation of the forest canopy. This facility operates on solar power, capturing detailed images every ten minutes. Forests globally play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, and maintaining their health is essential for combating global warming according to the UN Environment Programme.

Shalom Addo-Danso, a senior scientist at Ghana’s Forest Research Institute, emphasizes the project’s goal to discern the impacts of climate change on canopy temperatures. The compiled data is integral for establishing how rising temperatures affect tree species’ growth and respiration. Understanding leaf temperatures is paramount, as they influence photosynthesis efficiency. Warm leaves perform better, but excessive heat can hinder photosynthesis and impair the forest’s carbon sink function.

Acts of extreme temperatures and prolonged droughts pose threats to tropical forest diversity. Policymaking informed by data specific to Ghana’s forests may alleviate these issues. Addo-Danso highlights the significance of local data over global averages in understanding species’ resilience to climate variability. Ghana faces a dual challenge of deforestation and reforestation, with approximately 5,730 sq km of net tree cover loss recorded from 2000 to 2020.

Despite government efforts to restore two million hectares of forest by 2030, including the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, concerns have been raised regarding the prioritization of non-native species over local biodiversity. Addo-Danso and associate professor Sophie Fauset aim to influence reforestation policies positively. Their ongoing research includes assessing forest productivity to ensure the ecosystem’s sustainability.

In a broader collaborative effort, researchers from several countries, including Brazil and China, are contributing to a comprehensive study of leaf temperatures. Fauset underlines the importance of combining diverse forest data for understanding global patterns. Capacity-building efforts, like those involving student Samuel Gyekyi, facilitate practical experience in the scientific community. Looking forward, the team aims to explore further into Ghana and the Congo Basin for comparative analysis, enhancing both national and international forest research initiatives.

In conclusion, the research conducted in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest is not merely a local endeavor; it represents a vital step toward understanding the global challenges faced by tropical forests in the wake of climate change. By applying local data to conservation strategies, Ghana has the potential to enhance its reforestation efforts significantly while contributing to global ecological knowledge.

In summary, the research conducted in Ghana’s Bobiri Forest is pivotal in understanding the impact of climate change on tropical forests. By employing innovative technologies and international collaboration, scientists aim to enhance local biodiversity conservation and reforestation strategies. The findings will ultimately shape policies to mitigate risks posed by rising temperatures and contribute to sustainable forest management practices.

Original Source: dialogue.earth