Background
Anthropogenic activities have released large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs)—notably carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in this dynamic by absorbing carbon through photosynthesis and releasing it during respiration and decomposition.
To support sustainable forest management, Ghana has engaged in global climate initiatives such as:
- REDD+
- Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA)
- Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF)
These efforts demand accurate data on forest carbon stocks. Yet, despite their ecological importance, Africa’s tropical forests remain underrepresented in global flux monitoring studies. The Carbon Flux Monitoring Project aims to bridge this data gap by establishing a 70-metre eddy covariance flux tower in the Bia Tano Forest Reserve.
Project Objectives
Scientific Goals
- Quantify CO₂ flux exchange at the forest ecosystem level.
- Understand the regional variability of greenhouse gases.
- Assess the carbon sequestration capacity of Ghanaian forests and support climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Technical Goals
- Establish a long-term monitoring station for GHG exchange and meteorological variables.
- Enhance local capacity and facilitate knowledge transfer among institutions and communities.
Project Scope
- Introduction & Socio-Economic Impact
The project will support Ghana’s Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and facilitate access to AFOLU carbon funding mechanisms. Communities surrounding the Bia Tano Forest (population ~30,000) rely heavily on farming, particularly cocoa and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). Sustainable forest practices supported by this project will help protect local livelihoods, biodiversity, and water resources, including the Goa River, which supplies drinking water to over 124,000 residents in the Goaso Municipality.
- Capacity Building
Four UENR staff members benefitted from training opportunities (3 Ph. D.s in the Czech Republic, one person trained as a technician under the project).
- Stakeholder Engagements
Community outreach and the signing of stakeholder Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been completed. Discussions are ongoing with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for technical collaboration and data sharing to contribute to the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
- Infrastructure (Completed)
- Flux tower fully installed after groundworks, excavation, and site preparation
- Security fencing, equipment shelter, and devices such as cameras, heat extractors, and internet routers have been installed or procured
See images in the commissioning article.
Scientific Methodology
The tower will use eddy covariance (EC) techniques to:
- Monitor carbon dioxide and water vapour exchange
- Measure radiation, temperature, soil moisture, and heat flux at multiple vertical profiles
- Assess groundwater levels at four soil depths (0–30 cm)
Project Deliverables
- Improved understanding of forest-atmosphere CO₂ interactions
- New, high-quality datasets for regional and international carbon modelling
- Strengthening of Ghana’s capacity in GHG inventory and climate policy engagement