LocationsDeveloping nature-positive economic pathways for Ghana’s sustainable growth
August 26, 2024
Some participants engaged in an excercise during their breakout sessions
Ghana is taking bold steps in building its data, analytics, and understanding of the value of nature and its integration into economic strategies through the Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP). Funded by the United Kingdom's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the one-year programme aims to align economic growth with environmental sustainability and develop alternative economic pathways in line with the global shift towards nature-positive development.
As part of efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) convened a two-day national stakeholder workshop to explore Ghana’s harmonization of its economic development. The workshop brought together over 30 stakeholders from government ministries, research institutions, and international organizations to share their expertise to inform Ghana’s NTSP process ensuring a cohesive approach to development that prioritizes both prosperity and preservation.
The project, funded by DEFRA, is supported through the Global Centre for Biodiversity for Climate, with UNDP and UNEP-WCMC as technical partners. This collaborative initiative will help countries like Ghana, Ecuador, Colombia, and Vietnam identify pathways that balance economic growth with the conservation of natural ecosystems.
In Ghana, the programme is implemented through collaborative efforts between UNEP-WCMC, the UNDP Nature for Development global team, the UNDP Ghana, the University of Minnesota, Ministry of Finance, National Development Planning Commission, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
Dr. Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of the Environment and Climate Cluster at UNDP Ghana, emphasized the organization's dedication to supporting Ghana's sustainable economic growth, stating, “UNDP in Ghana is committed to advancing development pathways that place nature and people at the core to build resilient futures”.
Dr. Abdul-Razak Saeed, Head of the Environment and Climate Cluster at UNDP Ghana, delivering his remarks at the Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP).
In his opening remarks, Richard Sandall, UK Development Director in Ghana, underscored the UK's commitment to supporting natural capital and resource governance globally.
Citing the 2021 Dasgupta Review on the economic value of nature, he highlighted that, “1.2 billion jobs worldwide depend on the effective management and sustainability of ecosystems underscoring the importance of preserving natural resources for livelihoods worldwide”. He praised Ghana's ongoing efforts to protect its natural capital, particularly its forests, while cautioning against the costly mistakes made in other parts of the world: “It is much harder to restore nature than it is to protect it. Therefore, we must make proactive conservation efforts to maintain the health of our ecosystems for future generations to come”.
Richard Sandall, UK Development Director in Ghana, delivering a speech at the Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP)
In his opening remarks, Richard Sandall, UK Development Director in Ghana, underscored the UK's commitment to supporting natural capital and resource governance globally.
Citing the 2021 Dasgupta Review on the economic value of nature, he highlighted that, “1.2 billion jobs worldwide depend on the effective management and sustainability of ecosystems underscoring the importance of preserving natural resources for livelihoods worldwide”. He praised Ghana's ongoing efforts to protect its natural capital, particularly its forests, while cautioning against the costly mistakes made in other parts of the world: “It is much harder to restore nature than it is to protect it. Therefore, we must make proactive conservation efforts to maintain the health of our ecosystems for future generations to come”.
Dr. Winfred Nelson, Director of Development Coordination at the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), delivering his remarks
Dr. Winfred Nelson, Director of Development Coordination at the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), stressed the importance of collaboration to achieve the NTSP’s goals. He noted, “Our economic goals can only be achieved through the responsible utilization of our natural resources, in line with the principles of sustainable development. Therefore, we will collaborate with key institutions to strike this balance and must work together to ensure that our economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation”.
The current phase which focuses on uncovering the hidden social and economic costs of neglecting environmental considerations and developing policy options for sustainable development is set to conclude in March 2025.
The workshop's outcomes will guide the next steps of the NTSP, helping to create a roadmap for a nature-positive economic transition that benefits both people and the environment. This collaborative effort underscores Ghana's commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of its natural heritage.
By integrating nature into its growth strategies, Ghana is setting a strong example to achieve development pathways that harmonize economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Group photo of participants from the Nature Transition Support Programme.
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