Ghana set to track biodiversity targets through innovative digital mapping technology

Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), has officially launched the project “Using UN Biodiversity Lab (UNBL) to Support Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Mapping in Ghana.”

Humanity is confronted by an unparalleled triple planetary crisis with urgent and increasing need to simultaneously address pollution, the climate crisis, and biodiversity loss. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores that greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced by 43% by 2030, while achieving net-zero Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions globally by the early 2050s. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports that approximately one million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, many within decades, due to human activities. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 also identifies extreme weather events, critical changes to Earth's systems, and biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse as the top three most severe risks over the next decade. Addressing these interconnected crises requires immediate and coordinated global action to reduce emissions, protect biodiversity, and implement sustainable practices that safeguard the planet for future generations.

Integrated spatial planning can support national and subnational governments in identifying where to protect, restore, and sustainably manage nature to address the interconnected challenges. This was recognized in the adoption, in December 2022, of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) during the 15th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP) – particular in its targets 1, 2 and 3.

The inception workshop for the year-long project, "Using UN Biodiversity Lab (UNBL) to Support GBF Mapping in Ghana”, was held on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The project is designed to support Ghana’s efforts to enhance the use of spatial data analysis and undertake biodiversity mapping to support the implementation of the KMGBF. Funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, this project builds on previous collaborations under the Nature Transition Support Program (NTSP) and aims to equip Ghana with innovative spatial planning tools to advance sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Ghana will play a key role in co-developing new features for the UN Biodiversity Lab (UNBL), which will support national efforts to monitor, plan, and report on biodiversity-related commitments.

“The workshop comes at a timely moment, where the use of spatial data in policy planning is extremely important. Specifically, incorporating spatial data into the development of Ghana’s National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, will lead to the development of a more comprehensive plan that is easy to implement, monitor and evaluate”, Emelyne Wright-Hanson, Principal Development Planning Officer and Head of Biodiversity Unit at MEST, highlighted.

The project presents an opportunity for Ghana, as well as six other countries (Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, South Africa, and Sri Lanka) to better integrate spatial data into the policy making process towards the setting and achievement of the country’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This important work occurs at a crucial moment when countries are updating their NBSAP and required to submit their 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) by the end of February 2026, in accordance with CBD COP decision 15/6.

In his remarks, the Environment and Climate Cluster lead at UNDP Ghana country office, Dr. Abdul-Razak Saeed emphasized the importance of collective action in safeguarding Ghana's biodiversity, he noted, “This launch signifies collective commitment to leveraging technology and spatial data to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development. We urge all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to work together, share knowledge, and drive impactful change in Ghana’s biodiversity landscape. Together, we can harness the power of spatial data to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all”.

As we embark on this groundbreaking project, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting Ghana's rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. We believe that by harnessing the power of innovative technology and spatial data, we can create a better future for all Ghanaians and contribute to the global effort to address the interconnected crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.