Forest management systems are referred to as indigenous, when they are primarily
based on local experience of the specific society and have evolved over time and
transmitted from generation to generation by word of mouth or by practice. Based on
this definition the presentation examines indigenous knowledge and practices
performed in many Ghanaian communities with respect to the use and protection of
forest and wildlife resources. The presentation begins with description of the main
features that differentiate indigenous knowledge from scientific forest knowledge. The
main part deals with the traditional knowledge that explains the intricate relationship
between human and the forest (Cultural and traditional systems) and proceeds to
demonstrate how the traditional knowledge has contributed to improving forest science
and forest management in Ghana.