Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry has identified the inclusion of all persons as a key feature of Ghana’s ramped up strategy and efforts in building a resilient climate condition capable of withstanding climate change crisis.
Delivering a statement at an event dubbed “Strengthening Inclusion In Redd+ Results Based Payments” which is a feature of Ghana’s participation in the ongoing COP8 in Dubai, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio stated as the country makes inroads into the Voluntary Carbon Market, the importance of inclusion cannot be overemphasized.
“From now, we are expanding our scope of operations even into the Voluntary Carbon Market, and the value of inclusion can’t be overemphasized. Even within the Carbon Fund, most of our ER payments are yet to be received upon performance, hence the need to expand the social inclusion net for broad based benefits.
“We therefore appreciate the opportunity to engage with our colleagues from Ecuador, Kenya and others at COP28, and sincerely look forward to strengthening our partnerships and sharing spaces,” he said.
Hon. Owusu-Bio also outlined some of the massive benefits Ghana has enjoyed in its climate change fight through the REDD+ process.
“For 15 years, Ghana has engaged in the REDD+ process, from readiness to results-based payment phase. In that period, we have had the opportunity to share our journey on different platforms and also to constantly build capacity, especially to receive and utilize carbon payments.
“One key success story we have shared has been the empowerment of local communities, so, to have some of them here at COP28 represents a significant milestone.
He also highlighted on the commitment by the government to continue to pursue a path towards the obtaining funding to embark on anti-climate change policies that will empower all persons in Ghana.
“We will keep pushing for urgent Forest and climate action that delivers climate finance for people and their livelihoods, particularly with our ambitious Resilient Ghana Package, launched yesterday at the World Climate Action Summit.
“Without Climate Finance at scale, our efforts will be frustrated, so we call on private sector, philanthropy, multilateral agencies and the developed world, to keep rewarding inclusive, sustainable and ambitious climate action that will deliver 1.5 degrees Celsiu,” he said.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey identified inclusion, transparency and fairness as key factors in realizing the goal of the Paris Agreement which is reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“If we are eager to achieve the Paris Agreement, it is fundamental that, we operate in an inclusive and fair and transparent system that will encourage forest-friendly communities to halt deforestation and degradation while they adopt a more sustainable land use practises.
“REDD+ is of the people and for the people and that is why for Ghana our REDD+ initiative are keen on enhancing and ensuring that every voice is heard. We are currently implementing the Ghana Cocoa REDD+ program to restore our forest landscape, increase cocoa and shea yields, provide alternative livelihoods and reduce green house emissions.