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Need for Green Business
The exponential growth of world population and the rapid industrialisation has not only harmed
the global, regional and local environment, but also resulted in depletion of natural resources. This
has raised a caution alarmto the states and international organisations to resolve the existing conflicts
regarding environmental standards....
The Forestry and Timber Industry
Forests forman essential part of the ecosystemcovering about 30% of the total land area and are
the major sources of natural resources (flora, fauna). Forests provide shelter to a large number of
species of plants and animals, balance the ecosystem, protect the endangered species, and even help
recycling carbon dioxide and other gases. They serve as vital revenue generators. It is estimated
that forests provide about 5,000 commercial products such as lumber, paper, cotton, rubber and
medicinal plants that generate billions of dollars a year. These forest products contributemore than
1% to the world GDP. The rural communities of the tropical countries are largely dependent on
forests for fuel wood and timber...
Ghana Forestry and Timber Industry
In Ghana,WestAfrica, 923.9million hectares of its total land area (23,580 sq. km) is covered with
forests. One-third of its forest area is classified as tropical high forest and the remaining two-thirds as
woodland (savannah). The forests of the country contribute to the wealth and health of the nation by
providing food, energy, rawmaterials, timber,NTFPs and carbon credits19.Being an agrarian economy,
about 60% of the country’s working population depends on agriculture which contributes 35% to its
GDP. Cocoa is the primary cash crop, the main export after gold and provides two-thirds of export
revenue...
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