Hon. MESTI Minister Participated in Preparatory Meeting for International Biodiversity Conference
On October 11th, 2024, Hon. Ophelia Mensah-Hayford (MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), participated in a key preparatory meeting for Ghana’s delegation ahead of the Sixteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16). This important global event, including concurrent meetings of the Parties to the Cartagena and Nagoya Protocols, is set to take place from October 21st to November 1st, 2024, in Cali, Colombia.
The preparatory meeting ensured that Ghana’s delegation was well-prepared to contribute effectively to the international discussions on biodiversity conservation, biosafety, and the sustainable use of genetic resources. The session focused on solidifying Ghana’s positions on key biodiversity issues, such as ecosystem restoration, biosafety regulations, and the fair sharing of benefits from genetic resource utilization as stipulated by the Nagoya Protocol.
During the meeting, Hon. Mensah-Hayford reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to achieving its national biodiversity goals and aligning with global biodiversity targets. She stressed the importance of preserving Ghana’s rich ecosystems and biodiversity, which are essential not only for environmental health but also for the country’s economic development. The minister also emphasized the role of research, innovation, and sustainable practices in addressing biodiversity challenges.
The meeting also reviewed Ghana’s role in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which ensures the safe handling and regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Hon. Mensah-Hayford highlighted the need to balance biodiversity protection with advancing biotechnology, ensuring that GMOs are handled responsibly to protect the environment and public health.
The minister expressed confidence that Ghana’s delegation would play an influential role at COP 16, advocating for policies that prioritize biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation. She also emphasized the importance of securing international support and funding for biodiversity-related initiatives in developing countries like Ghana.
Key stakeholders from MESTI, environmental scientists, legal experts, and civil society representatives attended the preparatory meeting, helping to refine Ghana’s strategic approach for the conference. With these preparations, Ghana was poised to make meaningful contributions to the COP 16 discussions, ensuring that Africa’s perspectives and priorities were reflected in the outcomes.
The upcoming conference in Colombia presented a crucial opportunity for Ghana to influence global policies aimed at halting biodiversity loss and advancing environmental sustainability.