Reviving Our Ecosystem: Insights from BiM-NECS 2 on the Politics, Science, Human Impact, and Economic Strategies

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

Ghana’s ecosystems are under threat from climate change and human activities. Recently, the 2nd Biennial Media Forum on Natural Resources and Climate Change (BiM-NECS 2) called for urgent action to restore our environment. This event brought together journalists, scientists, and public officials in Kumasi to discuss the way forward under the theme “Ecosystem Restoration: The Politics, the Science, the Human, and the Economy.”

Understanding Ghana’s Commitment

Professor Mercy Adutwumwaa Derkyi from the University of Energy and Natural Resources highlighted Ghana’s ongoing efforts in ecosystem restoration. Initiatives like the Bonn Challenge and the Green Ghana campaign demonstrate a nationwide commitment. However, she pointed out that progress is hindered by issues like poor governance and corruption.

Professor Derkyi stressed the need for real political will and grassroots participation. She posed vital questions: How do we turn our promises into action? How do we choose which ecosystems matter? Her proposed guidelines for effective restoration included setting clear goals, determining recovery potential, and integrating both scientific and traditional knowledge.

She also emphasized using technology such as drones and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for monitoring ecosystems. Projects like the Carbon Tower Project help track carbon emissions and support climate goals. The “EU-supported Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN)” initiative features a blend of science and community-driven solutions.

Moreover, she proposed creating a national Data Centre to track restoration progress and ensure transparency. “Restoration is not just about nature; it’s about livelihoods,” she concluded, highlighting the link between healthy ecosystems and sustainable jobs.

Real-Life Impacts

Afua Serwaa Akoto Prempeh, Principal Project Manager at Proforest, emphasized translating environmental data into relatable stories. She shared the story of Aisha, a 17-year-old who fled her rural home due to climate impacts and now works in a city market. Aisha’s experience illustrates the broader economic challenges posed by climate change in Ghana. Research indicates that climate change could push one million more people into poverty in the coming years, with incomes dropping significantly.

Ms. Prempeh highlighted that addressing these issues requires $2 billion annually to combat climate impacts effectively. She urged the media to make climate data accessible and actionable for citizens and policymakers.

New Legislative Changes

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Dr. Jackson Nyantakyi, spoke about the newly passed Environmental Protection Act, 2025. This act addresses previous gaps in environmental governance, offering stronger enforcement mechanisms and the establishment of a National Environment Fund for sustainable initiatives.

The Role of the Media

BiM-NECS, initiated in 2023, confirms the media’s power in environmental governance. The Chairperson emphasized that informed discussions can bring about real change by connecting knowledge with practice and policy. The Forum concluded with a declaration of 12 action items that prioritize media involvement in ecosystem restoration efforts shifting into the future.

As Ghana aims to meet its 2030 restoration targets, BiM-NECS 2 reminded us that restoration is about re-establishing connections—between science and society, policy and people, and ecology and economies.

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Politics,Restoring the ecosystem,the economy,the human,the science