From leading community conservation projects in Ghana to pursuing a Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM) at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, Michael Ochem’s journey is rooted in a lifelong passion for protecting the environment and empowering others to do the same. His story reflects the power of local action and global learning in shaping the future of sustainable forestry.
From the Coast of Ghana to Global Classrooms
My name is Michael Ochem, I come from Ekumfi Adansi, a small coastal village in Ghana’s Central Region. I hold a BSc in Natural Resources Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and currently part of the wonderful 2025/2026 MSFM class.
Before coming to UBC, I worked as a Conservation Project Officer with A Rocha Ghana, where I led several impactful community-based initiatives like Sea Turtle Conservation (including; the digital turtle threat reporting system), mangrove restoration, climate-smart agriculture techniques, and environmental education for Ghanaian schools. My work earned me a place in The Explorers Club 50 Class of 2025 for leadership in grassroots biodiversity conservation. See also NBS Project.
Choosing UBC to Act Locally and Impact Globally
Growing up, I always said I wanted to touch the world and be a blessing to my community by acting locally for global impact. I believe that our environment sustains us all as humans, and to make a meaningful impact globally, one must first be well-positioned professionally. When I decided to gain professional skills in forest management, UBC was the first place that came to mind.
Redefining Forestry Through Learning
For my professional growth, the MSFM program is shaping my thinking and redefining forestry for me. I now look at forestry both contextually and globally; far broader than I used to. I have taken courses such as Site-Level Forest Management and Landscape-Level Forest Management; these twin courses influence how I reason about managing forest resources at different scales. Combined with Sustainable Forest Management Policy, they have given us the leverage not only to manage forests effectively but also to engage knowledgeably with complex policy issues in today’s world.
Amazingly, the course Working with Diverse Knowledge Systems in Sustainable Natural Resources Management has added another layer of professionalism to my conservation journey. It has deepened my understanding of the different knowledge systems that influence forest protection, an approach that is highly relevant and applicable in Ghana and across Africa.
Building Skills for a Sustainable Future
So far, I feel more prepared than ever to help my people rethink forestry. I have developed an incredible range of skills, including working with LiDAR data in ArcGIS Pro (a highly sought-after skill in the world of conservation), forest data analysis, forest survey design and modeling, site management planning, and, most importantly, confidence in engaging stakeholders at different levels. These skills are both transferable and replicable in any context.
Looking Ahead: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
After graduation, I hope to build on the relationships I have developed with UBC professors and instructors. Before I return to Ghana, I look forward to connecting with professors and nonprofit organizations interested in conservation work, including forest and mangrove restoration across Africa. I plan to use what I have learned to influence policy development and implementation in Ghana, and to strengthen my annual Mini-TBA training program, where I mentor students in conservation research and leadership.
To anyone considering joining the MSFM program, I encourage you to come with an open heart and mind to learn. You can arrive with high expectations — and you won’t be disappointed. The program’s level of organization, professionalism, and academic rigour is outstanding. If you are passionate about sustainability and want to make a tangible difference in how forests are managed globally, the MSFM program at UBC is the perfect place to gain both technical expertise and transformative perspectives. You will leave not only as a better professional but also as a more inclusive and globally aware environmental leader.