Ghana joined the World on November 3 to observe the first International Biosphere Reserve Day with a wake-up call on all Ghanaians in the sustainable development approach to modern life and the leading exemplary role towards the conservation of natural resources.
Making the call at the 3rd National Man and Biosphere Committee (MAB) Forum on Biosphere Reserve for Sustainable Development and the celebration of biosphere reserve day, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie said there is a need to prioritize conservation of natural resources for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
He, therefore, said proclaiming 3 November of each year as the International Day for Biosphere Reserves would further serve as outreach and awareness-raising activities relating to biodiversity, nature, wildlife, and sustainable development.
This he believes will carry key messages for Ghanaians, particularly the youth who are currently involved in activities harming our environment and planet.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mad. Cynthia Bediako, the head of administration at the ministry, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie said “This forum on Biosphere Reserves should, therefore, encourage society to understand the importance of sustainability in achieving well-being and encourage Ghanaians.
“particularly those living in the transitional zones of Biosphere Reserves to see the Biosphere reserves concept as an effective way of life for creative problem-solving and for developing practical solutions to the many problems facing the world since the concept recognizes the role of rural people and sustainable indigenous traditional practices in conserving natural resources, maintaining the landscape, reducing emissions, and promoting a healthy environment for all.” He continued.
He said his office is poised to inspire national decision-making to act on the importance of reinforcing care for the environment.
“We therefore totally commit to supporting actions, practices, and systems of production and consumption that balance human activities with the conservation of natural resources, thus contributing to meeting global challenges and climate, health, and environmental objectives that are the subject of numerous policies and agreements at the international levels.” He added.
The 2022 International Biosphere Day was held at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) through the partnership of African Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (ACEoR) and MAB Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency under the theme: Biosphere Reserves and Ecosystem Restorations-the Blue Economy to the rescue.
Dr. Afriyie noted that the theme for the celebration is timely as it will aid in the restoration of the loss of forest cover globally through sustainable forests management as captured in the United Nations’ strategic plan for forests 2017-2030 as well as the avoidance of harmful practices against both plants and animals.
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and the chairman of the National Committee for the MAB Program, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokufu urged the public to renew their commitment to helping Ghana achieve the SDGs.
“We urge all to bring on your best ideas for the discourse to ensure a sustainable future for us all. Remember, the hashtag for today is: It’s about life” We need to sustain the life forms on earth which are the source of our existence”
According to him, Ghana has actively and passionately joined the discourse to enhance public awareness and make practical the concept of Sustainable Development to all since the country joined the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 1982.
“UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are indeed SPECIAL PLACES FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE, serving as vital research laboratories for testing different approaches to attain the SDGs and we are proud that today, Ghana contributes 3 out of the 738 biosphere reserves in 134 countries on the World Network.”
Read more stories here
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
