MESTI Initiated Review of the 2016 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

The Environment Directorate of the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology  (MEST) initiated the review process of Ghana’s 2016 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), as part of efforts to align national biodiversity priorities with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

A Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting was held from 10th to 11th April 2025 at Aruba Hotel, Aburi, bringing together over 30 biodiversity experts and stakeholders from key Ministries, Government Agencies, Academia, Research Institutions, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed the goals, targets, and implementation strategies of the 2016 NBSAP and worked to align them with the GBF’s 2030 targets and long-term vision of “Living in Harmony with Nature.” The meeting resulted in the production of a first draft of the revised NBSAP, which will serve as the foundation for broader stakeholder consultations across the country.

Discussions during the meeting highlighted the importance of mainstreaming biodiversity into all sectors, strengtheningbiodiversity data and monitoring systems, and enhancing the participation of local communities and indigenous groups in biodiversity governance.

The review process marked a critical step towards updating Ghana’s national biodiversity framework to reflect emerging environmental priorities, both locally and globally. MESTI remains committed to inclusive, science-based, and action-oriented approaches in safeguarding Ghana’s biological diversity for present and future generations.