We’re poised to unlock full potential of nature-based solutions – Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability

The Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, Seidu Issifu, has announced a major government initiative to unlock the full potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) through strengthened collaboration across all sectors of society.

Speaking at the Africa Climate Dialogue 2025 held at the Accra City Hotel, the Minister said the plan aims to deepen partnerships among government, academia, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that research drives policy and that investments support sustainable, nature-aligned development.

He stressed that the new approach would align Ghana’s climate agenda with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, both of which seek to mobilize international support and attract climate finance for ecosystem protection and restoration.

“To unlock the full potential of Nature-Based Solutions, we must strengthen collaboration across all sectors,” the Minister said. “Our goal is to align national priorities with global frameworks to mobilize support and ensure that nature continues to sustain both our people and our economy.”

Mr Issifu reiterated that the government is taking a whole-of-government approach to climate action, with efforts underway to institutionalise Climate Change and Sustainability Units across all Ministries, Departments, and Assemblies to mainstream climate considerations into national planning and budgeting.

He also revealed plans to establish a National Climate Change and Sustainability Hub, which will serve as a centre of excellence for policy innovation, research, and knowledge exchange.

The Hub, he said, will act as a bridge between science, policy, and practice to enhance coordination and accountability in national climate action.

The Minister further noted that Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan already reflect strong commitments to large-scale tree planting, sustainable agriculture, and the restoration of degraded lands and watersheds, interventions that not only enhance carbon sequestration but also create green jobs and improve livelihoods.

He praised the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) for convening the maiden Africa Climate Dialogue, describing it as “a crucial platform for innovation and collaboration at a time when Africa must take ownership of its climate destiny.”

Board Chair of AC4NCA, Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee, in her welcome address, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting governments and stakeholders to integrate nature-based solutions into national policy frameworks.

She described NbS as “the most cost-effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social progress, and economic resilience.”

“By valuing and investing in nature, we secure not only our environment but also our future prosperity,” she said, urging African nations to embrace nature as a partner in development.

The dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including development partners, researchers, private sector leaders, and civil society actors, to explore how nature-based approaches can accelerate the continent’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

There as a panel session on including Science, Innovation and Local Action for Nature-Based Solutions.

It was followed by another on ‘Policy Coherence for NbS Integration into Development Frameworks’ and financing as well.

Partners for the event were Climate & Development Knowledge Network, Ghana Wildlife Society, Golden Star.

It was organised by the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action.

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