Ghana adopts Nature-based Solutions for coastal ecosystem protection

• A regional workshop on Marine and Coastal OECMs was held in Accra to explore ways of strengthening marine biodiversity conservation.
• The adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) is seen as a key strategy in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems in West Africa.
• The European Union has expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries and enhancing biodiversity conservation in the region.

The protection of marine and coastal ecosystems is crucial for food security, job creation, economic growth, and climate resilience in West Africa.

A regional workshop on Marine and Coastal OECMs in West Africa was held in Accra, bringing together government officials, conservation experts, development partners, and representatives of coastal communities. The event aimed to explore ways of strengthening marine biodiversity conservation and promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources. Key stakeholders emphasized the importance of adopting Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to protect marine and coastal ecosystems in West Africa.

The workshop, which is expected to last four days, will produce recommendations to guide West African countries in expanding effective marine and coastal conservation. The recommendations are intended to ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources while promoting biodiversity conservation.

OECMs provide an opportunity for countries to recognize and support areas already contributing to biodiversity conservation, even if they are not officially classified as protected areas. This approach complements marine protected areas and allows for the recognition of conservation efforts by local communities and other stakeholders. The adoption of OECMs is seen as a key strategy in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems in West Africa.

The European Union has expressed its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable fisheries, and enhancing biodiversity conservation in the region. This support includes providing funding for projects that promote the adoption of NbS and OECMs.

The protection of marine and coastal ecosystems is crucial for food security, job creation, economic growth, and climate resilience in West Africa. The region's marine resources are increasingly under threat from overfishing, pollution, climate change, and coastal erosion. The adoption of NbS and OECMs can help address these challenges by promoting sustainable ocean governance and achieving global biodiversity targets.

Lawyers advising clients on West African coastal projects should be aware of the growing importance of adopting Nature-based Solutions and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures as a compliance requirement. This may impact project timelines and environmental assessments, highlighting the need for careful consideration and planning in coastal development projects.

Lawyers advising clients on West African coastal projects should watch for the adoption of Nature-based Solutions and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) as a new compliance requirement, which may impact project timelines and environmental assessments.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times