The project’s main goal is to generate essential baseline data on the presence, distribution, and threats facing white-bellied pangolins in the OESR. Through systematic field surveys, including line transects, camera trapping, and visual encounter assessments, the research team will gather data on pangolin ecology and signs of activity. Community-based interviews and market surveys will also be conducted to understand the scale and drivers of local exploitation.

Parallel to data collection, the project will initiate robust community engagement and education programmes. Awareness campaigns delivered via school programmes, radio broadcasts, signboards, and outreach events will help shift perceptions and reduce demand for pangolin products. Local stakeholders, including residents of six fringe communities, will be actively involved in conservation actions, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship.

Additionally, the project will address habitat degradation through reforestation efforts. Community members and schoolchildren will participate in planting 2,500 native tree seedlings to restore portions of the reserve, thereby enhancing pangolin habitats and broader ecosystem health.

The findings will be shared with government agencies, conservation NGOs, academic institutions, and the public through technical reports, journal publications, blogs, and social media. This work will inform future conservation strategies, influence policy, and build a foundation for long-term pangolin protection in Ghana.

By integrating scientific research, education, and habitat restoration, the project aims to protect pangolins while also promoting sustainable community involvement and environmental responsibility.