Ghana secures $30m to protect forests
Ghana has secured a grant of $30 million from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost its forest conservation efforts.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, representing the Forestry Commission, signed a Letter of Intent with the UAE government to seal this deal.
This substantial grant will support forest fringe communities by providing alternative livelihoods, empowering them to protect, restore, and replant the country’s precious forests.
It is part of the strategic move to achieve the country’s biodiversity and climate objectives, as outlined in the Resilient Ghana Package launched at COP28 in Dubai last year.
President Nana Akufo-Addo and former UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, launched the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) at COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022.
This innovative partnership brings together governments, businesses, and community leaders to tackle deforestation and promote sustainable development.
The FCLP aims to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, a commitment made by over 140 world leaders at COP26.
Ghana has already made significant strides, launching the Resilient Package at COP 28, which includes initiatives to halt deforestation, promote sustainable agriculture, and support local communities.
The Resilient Ghana Package is built on three core pillars that will drive the country’s sustainable development and climate resilience.
These pillars are nature-based industrialisation and rural development; future-fit green jobs and livelihoods; and scaling climate ambition.
At the launch of the Resilient Ghana Package in Dubai, several countries pledged their support, demonstrating global commitment to Ghana’s sustainable development and climate goals.
The UAE, as COP28 Presidency, pledged $30 million to support Ghana’s fight against deforestation and biodiversity loss.
This investment aims to help the country achieve its 2030 goals of halting and reversing forest degradation.
Building on the initial commitment, Ghana and the UAE engaged in extensive bilateral talks, which has paved the way for the release of $30 million to drive the Resilient Ghana Package’s ambitious goals.
Ghana and the UAE made the groundbreaking agreement on September 27, 2024, during the United Nations Climate Week in New York.
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE’s Minister for Climate Change and Environment, signed a Letter of Intent to provide up to $30 million to support Ghana’s Resilient Ghana Package and REDD+ Strategies.
Mr. Jinapor, following the signing ceremony for the $30 million UAE grant, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving the nation’s ecosystems.
He emphasised Ghana’s commitment to developing innovative strategies that restore habitats, safeguard endangered species, and foster resilient ecosystems.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism that through collaboration and a shared vision, Ghana can pioneer sustainable solutions benefiting not only the country but the global community.
Mr. Jinapor expressed gratitude to the UAE government and all parties involved in the negotiations that led to the historic agreement.
He also assured that Ghana would develop and implement effective strategies to achieve the objectives of the Resilient Ghana Package, a comprehensive initiative tackling deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change.