The Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) has successfully convened the maiden edition of the Africa Climate Dialogue in Accra, bringing together policymakers, researchers, development partners, private sector players, and youth advocates to deepen discussions on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a pathway to climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.
The high-level dialogue, themed “Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions: a pathway to sustainable national development,” provided a platform for collective reflection on how African countries can integrate NbS into their national climate strategies and development plans.
Special guests and dignitaries in attendance included Hon. Issifu Seidu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability; H.E. Jakub Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana; Dr. Hugh Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission; and Dr. Peter Dery, Director for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI).
Speaking as Guest of Honour at the Africa Climate Dialogue in Accra, Hon. Issifu said the government views nature as a “strategic pillar for sustainable national development,” capable of generating green jobs, restoring ecosystems, and opening investment opportunities.
“Nature-Based Solutions open up new frontiers for carbon markets and green finance opportunities that can significantly strengthen both our national economy and Ghana’s collective climate ambition,” the Minister stated.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to integrating NbS into national development and climate frameworks, citing interventions such as large-scale tree planting, climate-smart agriculture, and watershed restoration; initiatives designed to enhance ecosystem resilience while improving livelihoods.
Ambassador Linulf lauded Ghana’s leadership in championing climate action in Africa and underscored Denmark’s continued partnership in driving green transitions and sustainable development across the region. He encouraged increased investment in NbS to create green jobs while protecting critical ecosystems.
Dr. Hugh Brown highlighted the role of forest restoration and community forestry in achieving Ghana’s climate targets, stressing that institutions like the Forestry Commission remain central to implementing large-scale nature-based projects that support livelihoods and biodiversity.
The Director for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Peter Dery added that for Africa to build resilience, governments must embed Nature-Based Solutions into their policy and planning frameworks, ensuring cross-sectoral collaboration between environment, agriculture, and finance ministries.
Board Chair of the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA), Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee called for stronger collaboration across sectors to advance Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Africa.
“Nature-based solutions are the most cost-effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social and economic progress,” Rev. Aryee said. “By valuing and investing in nature, we secure not only our environment but also our future prosperity.”
During the dialogue, participants explored several key pillars for accelerating the adoption of NbS in Africa. Discussions centered on policy integration, emphasizing the need to embed NbS within national and sectoral development frameworks; knowledge exchange among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners; financing pathways to unlock innovative funding mechanisms; partnership building to strengthen collaboration across sectors; and the development of a clear action roadmap to scale impact.
Panel sessions and fireside chats featured experts from academia, civil society, and local communities, including young ecopreneurs and foresters who shared practical experiences implementing NbS on the ground. These sessions underscored the importance of youth leadership, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches in advancing climate resilience.
The Africa Climate Dialogue forms part of AC4NCA’s broader mission to amplify evidence-based approaches to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods. The event concluded with a call to action for governments, the private sector, and development partners to prioritize Nature-Based Solutions as integral to Africa’s climate and development agenda.
