The government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has organized a three-day National Landscape Forum under the theme “Natural Resource Management and Forest Economy for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.”
The forum brought together professionals and stakeholders from public, private, and non-governmental organizations working in the fields of natural resource management (NRM) and environmental sustainability in Ghana. It served as a platform to showcase project results, facilitate dialogue on key concerns, explore synergies across NRM sectors, and discuss pathways to harness the forest-based economy for sustainable economic prosperity.
Ghana faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, land and landscape degradation, pollution, coastal erosion, and depletion of fish stocks. Additionally, the country’s economic and human development remains vulnerable to climate change and related shocks. Notably, Ghana is one of Africa’s champions in Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), and among the first countries globally to receive carbon payments from the World Bank for emissions reductions achieved through the propagation of shaded cocoa systems in the cocoa forest mosaic landscape.
During the three-day forum, the results of the Natural Capital Accounts (NCA) developed under the NCA programme were launched and presented. Discussions also centered on key issues in ongoing projects, with expected outcomes including increased intersectoral understanding of existing challenges and enhanced capacity to plan for future interventions.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Patrick Nomo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Murtala Mohammed. He expressed optimism that the discussions held would shape future policies and actions to protect and manage Ghana’s natural landscape effectively.
Similarly, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, speaking on behalf of his Minister, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources and emphasized that the forum provides a strategic platform to advance this agenda while fostering stronger partnerships.
Representing the World Bank, Roberto Taliercia, Division Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, congratulated the Government of Ghana on the launch and presentation of three Natural Capital Accounts. He reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana in managing its natural resources and creating platforms for meaningful discussions on mutual concerns.
“This forum is essential for understanding sector challenges, enhancing planning capacity, and showcasing Ghana’s successes while addressing future opportunities in the context of global attention on forests,” he concluded.
By Madjid Diallo || GhanaNewsOnline