By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action has partnered with the University
of Ghana to host the 2026 Scientific Day of Renaissance for Africa High-Level
Public Lecture, bringing together policymakers, academics and environmental
experts to examine the role of Nature-Based Solutions in addressing climate
change and advancing sustainable development.
Held
under the auspices of the University's Vice-Chancellor, Nana Aba Appiah Amfo,
the event featured a keynote address by Balla Moussa Sidibé, Regional Director
for International Union for Conservation of Nature West and Central Africa.
Speaking
on the theme, "Can Nature-Based Solutions Deliver Climate Resilience,
Jobs, Equity and Justice?", Sidibé highlighted the growing importance
of leveraging ecosystems and biodiversity as part of Africa's climate
adaptation and sustainable development strategies.
The
high-level panel discussion featured Samuel A. Jinapor, Emerita Prof. Yaa
Ntiamoa-Baidu and Prof. John Gyapong, who explored how scientific research,
biodiversity conservation and Nature-Based Solutions can support climate
resilience while creating economic opportunities across the continent.
A
major outcome of the discussions was the call for African countries to
diversify climate finance beyond conventional funding mechanisms. Participants
identified carbon markets, blended finance, green bonds and increased private
sector investment as critical tools for scaling Nature-Based Solutions and
unlocking the continent's environmental and economic potential.
Speakers
also emphasized that achieving meaningful climate action will require stronger
collaboration among governments, academia, businesses, civil society
organizations, development partners and local communities to effectively manage
Africa's natural resources and build resilient economies.
The
Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action reaffirmed its commitment to
fostering partnerships, advancing knowledge and promoting practical action that
places Nature-Based Solutions at the centre of Africa's climate resilience and
sustainable development agenda.
