Public perception of urban forest: Implications for conservation of the Achimota forest

Abstract

Urban Forests provides diverse ecosystem service benefits to urban dwellers. Therefore, conserving these forests becomes of utmost importance. The attitudes and perceptions of urban dwellers toward forests play a critical role in sustaining and protecting them. This study assesses the public perception of urban forest, with a specific focus on the Achimota Forest, and explore its implications for conservation efforts. Statistics used in data analysis were Percentage, Mean, Likert Scale, Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance and Cronbach’s alpha. The Yamane sample size was used to estimate representative samples size of 390. These respondents (inhabitants of the selected communities and the stakeholders) were conveniently and purposively sampled respectively for the study. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and statistical techniques to provide an understanding of the public's attitudes, values, and awareness concerning the Achimota Forest. The results reveal a varied perception of the urban forest among the public. While a significant portion of the respondents expressed appreciation for the forest's recreational, aesthetic, and psychological benefits, others appeared to prioritize urban development over conservation. Several key factors influence public perceptions, including environmental knowledge, socio-economic background, cultural beliefs, and experiences with the forest. Furthermore, the study recommends that there should be the need for a balanced approach to urban development that will integrate conservation principles into city planning. Policymakers, urban planners, and environmental organizations must collaborate to create sustainable urban designs that protect and integrate urban forests, such as Achimota, into the urban setting.