Over the past 50 years, data from the global monitoring of vertebrate wildlife including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish, has shown a 73% decline in wildlife populations. Biodiversity is at the core of all ecosystems, playing vital roles in agriculture, industry, healthcare, and livelihoods. However human activities, such as increasing deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources, continue to disrupt the balance needed to sustain nature’s regeneration. This year's theme, harmony with nature and sustainable development, calls for a focus on the interconnectedness between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

In Ghana, biodiversity underpins critical development sectors such as agriculture and energy. Recognizing its significance, the government has established protected areas, including national parks and forest reserves to preserve natural resources. In 2024, Ghana submitted its National Biodiversity Targets, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) as part of a broader review and update of the country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). This submission signals Ghana’s commitment to both local and global biodiversity conservation objectives. A key component of this renewed commitment is the current government’s flagship programme to enhance biodiversity through the Tree for Life Initiative, which aims to distribute seven million seedlings to boost afforestation and agroforestry. This initiative promotes the restoration of degraded lands and further enhances community engagement, while encouraging youth participation in environmental stewardship. 

UNDP remains a key partner in Ghana’s biodiversity conservation efforts, contributing to initiatives that re-align economic growth with environmental sustainability. One landmark partnership is the UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST). BIOFIN focuses on creating a national finance plan to secure sustainable funding for environmental protection. Similarly, the Nature Transition Support Programme (NTSP) in Ghana, funded by the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), aims to align economic growth with environmental sustainability, and develop alternative economic pathways in line with the global shift towards nature-positive development. Additionally, UNDP supports community-focused ecosystem restoration projects through the Environmentally Sustainable Production Practices for Cocoa (ESP) project, implemented in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board and Mondelez International in Ghana’s cocoa landscapes. Similarly, the Forestry Commission together with Global Shea Alliance and UNDP under the Ghana Shea Landscape Emission Reduction Project (GSLERP) is restoring degraded areas, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and protecting biodiversity within Ghana’s shea landscapes in the northern savanna zone.

While these initiatives mark significant progress, additional and scaled-up efforts as detailed below, are needed to preserve, protect, and restore ecosystems, ensuring they remain in harmony with nature and align with the principles of sustainable development.

Scaling up Technology

Technology plays an indispensable role in conserving biodiversity. Advanced digital tools like remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) offer critical insights into habitat changes, deforestation, and species distribution. These technologies enable the analysis of large datasets, enhancing decision-making, policy intervention and strategies. In Ghana, UNDP is supporting the use of such tools through the Gordon and Betty Moore-funded project “Using UN Biodiversity Lab (UNBL) to support Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Mapping in Ghana.” This project leverages spatial data analysis and biodiversity mapping to accelerate Ghana’s implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Raising Awareness

Educating the public on the value of biodiversity is vital to fostering collective responsibility for natural resource conservation. Awareness campaigns should be tailored for targeted audience including individuals, businesses, and organizations to build a shared sense of accountability. Global events like the International Day for Biological Diversity provide opportunities to emphasize biodiversity’s importance in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Targeted initiatives, particularly those aimed at youth, can inspire action and highlight the role of biodiversity conservation in ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Empowering Communities

Empowering communities involves equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and sustainable livelihood opportunities needed to harmonize their relationship with nature. Equally important is engaging these communities in managing natural resources, as demonstrated by the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) model led by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission. Engaging communities in planning and decision-making fosters shared responsibility and ensures long-term sustainability.

Living in harmony with nature is a catalyst for sustainable development and requires new ways of thinking about biodiversity, and a renewed commitment to its conservation. By integrating advanced technologies, raising awareness, and empowering communities, we can enhance nature-positive production which protects biodiversity, thereby sustaining the environment and accelerating socio-economic resilience and sustainable growth.