Environment Minister urges national action to protect Ghana’s ecosystems on Biodiversity Day

Ghana has joined the world in observing the International Day for Biodiversity, with a strong call to align development efforts with environmental preservation.

Marked under the theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” this year’s celebration highlights the delicate balance between economic progress and ecological health.

In a press statement issued by the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the government emphasized the urgent need to address the growing threats to Ghana’s biodiversity, including deforestation, illegal mining, pollution, and climate change.

It notes that Ghana’s rich ecosystems, which range from tropical forests to savannahs and coastal wetlands, play a crucial role in supporting agriculture, water resources, climate stability, and tourism. However, these natural treasures are facing increasing degradation.

“Our biodiversity is under mounting pressure. Failure to act decisively could undermine our progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, health, clean water, and climate action,” it stated.

The Ministry outlined several key measures being implemented to combat biodiversity loss, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

These include the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030, which sets clear targets for ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource use.

It added that the government has introduced Natural Capital Accounting reports to guide policymaking and has developed Biodiversity Mainstreaming Guidelines to ensure ecological considerations are integrated into national and district development plans.

“Restoration efforts, such as the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project, are also underway to rehabilitate degraded lands,” it said.

According to the statement, the Ministry is further leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) to enhance biodiversity monitoring and promote sustainable practices like climate-smart agriculture.

The minister in the statement called on all sectors of society, government, private sector, traditional leaders, local communities, and individuals to adopt environmentally conscious practices.

He urged Ghanaians to plant trees, reduce waste, conserve water, and respect protected areas as part of daily life.

“True development can only be achieved when it respects the ecological systems that sustain life. Let this year’s celebration mark a shift in how we value nature not as a resource to exploit, but as a vital partner in our journey toward prosperity,” it added

The Ministry also officially announced the commencement of activities for several key environmental and scientific days, including World Environment Day (June 5), World Oceans Day (June 8), World Day to Combat Desertification (June 17), African Scientific Renaissance Day (June 30), and Ozone Day (September 16).