Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology speaking at the event
On May 20, 2025, Ghana joined the global community in observing the International Day for Biological Diversity, making a strong call for renewed commitment to preserving biodiversity while pursuing sustainable development.
The 2025 celebration is being held under the global theme: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”
In a press statement released by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the sector minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, emphasized the urgent need for society to recognise that development cannot be achieved at the expense of nature.
“The 2025 theme reminds us of the vital relationship between the health of our natural environment and the pursuit of inclusive, long-term development,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
“It is a call to action for all sectors—government, private sector, traditional leaders, youth, and civil society—to ensure that our progress respects the ecological systems that sustain life.”
Ghana is known for its rich biodiversity, stretching from tropical forests in the south to savannah grasslands in the north, as well as inland wetlands and marine ecosystems.
These natural assets play a key role in supporting agriculture, protecting water sources, regulating the climate, and contributing to the country’s tourism and cultural identity.
However, the minister warned that the country’s biodiversity is under serious threat due to deforestation, illegal mining, pollution, and habitat destruction—factors that exacerbate climate change and environmental degradation.
“If we do not act decisively, we risk undermining our own progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to poverty, health, clean water, and climate action,” he noted.
To counter these threats, Dr. Mohammed outlined several initiatives undertaken by the government under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. These include:
Revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030) to establish targets for conserving ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.
Implementation of Natural Capital Accounting reports, such as the Land and Ecosystem Extent Account and the Ecosystem Services Account, to guide decision-making.
Development of Biodiversity Mainstreaming Guidelines to integrate biodiversity into national and local development plans and budgets.
Promotion of ecosystem restoration through projects like the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project.
Dr. Mohammed also highlighted Ghana’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation to enhance biodiversity monitoring, support climate-smart agriculture, and create green jobs.
Calling on Ghanaians to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles, he urged citizens to reduce waste, plant trees, conserve water, and respect protected areas.
“Let this 2025 celebration be a turning point in how we view and value nature—not as a commodity to exploit, but as a partner in our journey toward prosperity,” he said.
AM/KA