Workshop for Mapping Research Priorities under the Nature Transition Support Programme in Ghana

On behalf of the United Nations Development System in Ghana, it is a pleasure to join you today as we embark on a crucial journey to shape the research agenda that will guide Ghana towards a sustainable and nature-positive future. The Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP) stands as a beacon of our collective commitment to reconciling economic development with the preservation of our natural environment.

I extend heartfelt appreciation to United Kingdom government’s Global Centre for Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) for their continued support and funding of the current phase of the NTSP in Ghana, and all development partners especially, the UN family, who are being led by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) as the lead implementer, and UNDP Nature for Development global team, UNDP Ghana Country Office. 

Not forgetting the academia, especially the University of Minnesota, and in-country research institutes. 

I also want to thank the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Ministry of Finance and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) of the Government of Ghana for their dedication to sustainable development and collaborative spirit. 

Your contributions are invaluable in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Ghana.

Ghana's Leadership, urgency and opportunity

Ghana has consistently demonstrated leadership in climate action and has been actively engaged in various initiatives related to the Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP), including the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2011-2020), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, Forest Investment Program (GFIP), and the National Climate Change Policy (2013) amongst others. 

Ghana has a robust institutional framework for NTSP such as the policies and programs for environmental conservation by the Environmental Protection Agency, management and conservation of forest and wildlife resources by the Forestry Commission, management of biodiversity data and information by the Ghana National Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and contributions to the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL).

These initiatives demonstrate Ghana's commitment to sustainable development, climate action, and environmental conservation, aligning with the NTSP goals.

The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated; impacts are already felt globally, and Ghana is no exception. According to the World Bank, Ghana's annual economic losses from climate-related events are estimated at circa 2.6% of GDP. This process offers a chance to ensure a just transition that protects the environment and promotes inclusive economic growth for all Ghanaians.

Ghana's Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP) addresses pressing environmental challenges, including deforestation (60% loss in 20 years), biodiversity decline (3,600 plant species, 221 mammal species, and 724 bird species threatened), climate change (1.5°C to 2°C temperature rise by 2050), land degradation (20% of land area affected), and water pollution (50% of rivers and streams polluted). To combat these issues, the NTSP has mobilized $10 million in funding, supported over 20 research projects, and trained more than 100 professionals in sustainable land use, climate change, and biodiversity conservation, aiming to transition Ghana towards a more sustainable and nature-positive future.

UN Support 

Our three-year cooperation framework, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-25, aligns with Ghana's nature transition priorities, focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth, quality basic social services, and durable peace and security. We will work collaboratively with the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure an inclusive and robust revision process. With the multidimensionality of nature, our framework approaches Environment and Climate solutions to sustainable development with an integrated and cross-cutting lens.

The UN’s proposed Six Transition pathways (food systems; energy access and affordability; digital connectivity; education; jobs and social protection; and climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution) and the four engine room actions (policy, pipeline, deal rooms, and capacity) provide a valuable framework consistent with the objectives of the Nature Transition Support Programme.

UN’s Coordinated Approach to NDC Support and the Climate Promise 

Through our coordinated approach, the UN will offer a comprehensive strategy to support developing countries like Ghana in enhancing and implementing their NDCs with three core objectives:

1. Ambition: Enhance NDCs in response to scientific findings, aligning with 1.5°C pathways, net-zero, nature-positive pathways, and the SDGs.
2. Acceleration: Scale-up climate action through finance alignment, technology, and capacity-building support.
3. Inclusivity: Strengthen inclusive and just transitions with long-term engagement of underrepresented actors, including women's groups, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and youth.

To deliver this support efficiently, the UN will leverage existing and new initiatives and resources like – sustainable forest, climate-smart agriculture and food security by FAO, WFP, UNEP, addressing climate impact on health by WHO and UNICEF, INFF and climate finance by Green Climate Fund, UNDP, UNCDF, climate resilient infrastructure by UNOPS, UN-Habitat and UNIDO – and others but significantly let me highlight UNDP's Climate Promise initiative, which has supported 85% of developing countries in their initial NDC submissions and is engaged in NDC implementation in nearly 150 countries.

The UN through the Climate Promise is therefore supporting Ghana in its inception of the NDC 3.0 revision process, and positioning as one UN to further leverage funds under Climate Promise to support the revision as per the roadmap that will be adopted for the country’s pathway to increased ambition.

Workshop relevance and active participation

As we gather here, we are reminded that the challenge before us is both complex and urgent. Economic growth, while essential, must be pursued in harmony with nature to ensure long-term prosperity for all. The NTSP is a critical tool in this endeavor, offering evidence-based insights and innovative approaches that will help Ghana navigate the delicate balance between development and environmental stewardship.

Our task over the next two days is to identify the research priorities that will inform the next phases of this programme. This is not just a technical exercise; it is a strategic effort to align our actions with Ghana's national goals and international commitments. The diverse perspectives and expertise represented here today are invaluable in ensuring that the final research agenda is comprehensive, inclusive, and actionable.

I would like to emphasize the importance of collaboration in this process. The success of the NTSP depends on the active participation of all stakeholders—government ministries, research institutions, international partners, and local communities. Your contributions during this workshop will lay the foundation for a research agenda that is not only scientifically rigorous but also deeply connected to the realities on the ground.

The UN family, including UNEP-WCMC, UNDP, and other partners, remains committed to supporting Ghana in this transformative journey. We are here to work with you, to listen, and to ensure that the NTSP reflects the priorities and aspirations of the people of Ghana.

Call to action

As we move forward, let us keep in mind the broader vision of the NTSP: a future where economic progress and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, where the benefits of development are shared equitably, and where nature is protected for generations to come.

Thank you, and I look forward to the productive discussions that will shape the future of this vital initiative.