The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, Mr. Benito Owusu-Bio has warmly welcomed a proposal for partnership on nature-based climate solutions from Mundo Verde Climate, a Swiss-based company into carbon credit development and trading with the vision to invest in Ghana’s Forestry sector for mutual benefit.
After an extensive presentation from the delegation, the Deputy Minister expressed joy and interest in the project, as he was convinced that their proposal was a wholistic one that will not only benefit Ghana as a country but also impact the very lives of the people living within the fringes of the Forestry resources.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, Hon. Benito disclosed that government is currently undertaking an aggressive afforestation drive and therefore this proposal will enhance government’s efforts and the global fight against climate change.
Judging from the positive impact of this project on Climate Change, Hon. Benito also suggested to the team to expand their tentacles and consider exploring the aspect of private plantation owners to cover more ground and for their benefit.
Hon. Benito appreciated the team for coming and requested for a meeting to be held with the Forestry Commission to discuss the next steps in adopting this project proposal as he opined that” this would be a very beneficial partnership for the Ministry and for goverment”.
In a comprehensive presentation, the leader of the delegation and Managing Partner of the Mundo Verde Climate Company said the organisation is interested in exploring nature-based climate solution projects in Ghana to establish carbon sink areas through the protection and regeneration of degraded forests and mangroves.
She indicated that the group is also seeking to cooperate with the Ministry and share the carbon asset revenue back with the Republic of Ghana. While outlining requirements that will make this partnership work saying, “We will need access to Land, a Concession for the project partnership, Local expertise and know-how, and a very cooperative environment”.
The Managing Partner, Madam Kaya, also expounded on Ghana’s benefits in partnering with this project saying, “Aside from the capital investment we are pushing into this project, the country stands to benefit a lot more, including employment for women and men of the various communities involved, Hospitals, Roads, Schools among other infrastructure.”
On his part, the Technical Director for Forestry at the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan briefed the delegation on some mangrove areas already being developed in the country and potential areas that can be considered for investment by the company. “We have wetlands for mangroves in the Coastal areas, such as the Keta Lagoon, the Ada Songor, Densu Delta, Sakumono Ramsar site, Muni Pumadze and Cape Three points in the Western Region.” he enumerated.
He also presented to them other areas that could be of interest, mentioning Avioded Deforestation Investments and Wood Lots Establishments as examples, adding that the Ministry expects action as similar entities have presented such proposals with no action.
Also in the meeting with the Deputy Minister was the Coordinator for Ghana Landscape Restoration & Small Scale Mining Project, (GLRSSMP) Dr. John Krugu
