By Kizito CUDJOE
The country is taking centre-stage in global observance of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2024 – emphasising its commitment to the theme ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.
Celebrated under the national slogan ‘Our Land, Our Future’, Ghana’s initiatives highlight its proactive efforts to restore degraded landscapes and build resilience against environmental challenges.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1975, is observed annually to raise awareness and drive action on critical environmental issues. This year marks the 51st anniversary of WED, hosted by Saudi Arabia – a country noted for its significant contributions to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) to mark the occasion, it noted that the country’s national theme aligns with the broader global focus, reflecting the commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
In observance of WED, MESTI in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it will launch several key activities – including a ‘What Do You Know Quiz’ to enhance public knowledge on environmental issues; exhibitions showcasing sustainable practices; and tree-planting exercises aimed at restoring local ecosystems.
Public education campaigns will also be rolled out to promote sustainable land management practices.
These activities, according to the ministry, aim to facilitate dialogues on nature-based solutions suitable for ecosystem restoration – aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). These initiatives are crucial for combatting desertification, building drought resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide. This initiative seeks to restore billions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to poverty alleviation, food security and biodiversity conservation.
The country’s focus on land restoration and combatting desertification is a significant contribution to this global effort. By enhancing resilience to drought and promoting sustainable practices, Ghana is not only addressing its local environmental challenges but also contributing to the global movement for ecosystem restoration.
The celebration of WED 2024 is seen as a call to action for governments, private sector organisations and individuals worldwide to intensify efforts in restoring degraded landscapes and building environmental resilience.
For Ghana, this means adopting sustainable land management practices and investing in resilient strategies to protect natural resources.
It is against this backdrop that the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford said: “Let’s therefore use this day as a catalyst for social change as we adopt sustainable land management practices and invest in resilient strategies to protect our planet’s existing natural resources, and promote a greener, safer and better future for all”.
