Nature Conservation Research Centre PO Box KN925, Kaneshie Accra, Ghana Phone/Fax: (233) 21-231765 E-mail: webmaster@ncrc.org.gh Mission and Goals NCRC's Structure and Staffing Board of Trustees For more information on NCRC's activites, explore: Field Research Activities Community-Owned Conservation Areas NCRC's Project Supporters Ghana Ecotourism Website NCRC's Mission Nature Conservation Research Centre (NCRC) is a Ghanaian non-profit, private voluntary organisation implementing conservation initiatives to promote a greater awareness and protection of the natural, historic and cultural diversity of Ghana and ultimately the West African sub-region. NCRC endorses a core philosophy that conservation in Ghana must be pursued in settings where there are cultural and economic incentives for its implementation. Conservation in Ghana should emerge from local cultural belief systems, and must have tangible economicreturns for humans living in the area. Without culture and economics as core elements, we believe conservation efforts will not succeed in this country. In line with this core philosophy, NCRC seeks to use positive cultural practices and income-generation potential to advance our goals and objectives. NCRC's Strategic Goals Our current objectives include: Expand our network of community-based destinations that link tourism development with positive environmental, historic, and cultural conservation and the growth of economic opportunities to 30 poor communities. Support the development of four locally-controlled protected areas in select locations which build upon NCRC's tourism activities and demonstrate local leadership in conservation. The locations include Wechiau, Red Volta, Sissili, and Gonja. Support targeted research efforts which complement NCRC's on-going or pending tourism and protected areas activities. Support efforts that build links between local cultures, conservation, ecotourism, and resarch. Focus on efforts which raise the international profile of Ghana and NCRC. NCRC's Structure NCRC is registered as a company limited by guarantee (Reg. G.897 and DSW/1016) with a nine-member independent Board of Trustees. The centre's Executive Director is appointed by the Board and controls the day-to-day operations within the mandate provided by the Board of Trustees. A Scientific Advisory Board reviews NCRC projects and initiatives and guides the centre's conservation and research programmes. All bank accounts require two-of-three signatures (Chairman, Treasurer and Executive Director). The centre's accounts are audited annually and approved by the Board. Annual report and audited accounts are submitted to the Department of Social Welfare as required by Ghanaian law. NCRC is registered with the Registrar's General Office, the Dept. of Social Welfare, the Environmental Protection Agency - Ghana and the Forestry Commission. The Centre collaborates on projects with a variety of Government of Ghana agencies, departments, institutions, NGOs and CBOs. NCRC has 23 full-time staff, seven based at NCRC's Tesano, Accra office, and the rest at project sites around the country. NCRC's Board of Trustees Dr. James Nti   (Chairman) Mrs. Philippa Pepera   (Treasurer) Mrs. Dinah Ayensu   (Member) Mr. Kojo Lokko   (Member) Mrs. Norkor Duah   (Member) Mr. Joseph Gelbire Bewong   (Member) Dr. Ayigsi James Akankpegli   (Member) Mr. Danyagiri Walamani   (Member) Mr. Nelson Agbesi   (Member) Mr. John Mason   (Secretary to the Board and Executive Director)