By Raymond Awiagah
The Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA)
The Board Chair of the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA), Rev. Joyce R. Aryee, has called on African nations to harness the continent’s abundant natural resources to confront the growing threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
The Maiden Africa Climate Dialogue 2025
Speaking at the opening of the maiden Africa Climate Dialogue 2025 held at the Accra City Hotel, Rev. Aryee urged governments, businesses, researchers, and civil society to see nature not merely as a victim of the climate crisis, but as a powerful partner in the quest for sustainable development.
“Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is the most cost effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social and economic progress. By valuing and investing in nature, we secure not only our environment, but also our future prosperity and resilience,” she said.
A Call for Africa’s Climate Leadership
The Africa Climate Dialogue, a new flagship programme of AC4NCA was convened to advance Africa’s leadership in Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and foster collaboration among policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and climate advocates.
Setting Up of the Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action
Rev. Aryee said the Centre was established with a “clear and urgent mission, to champion the adoption and integration of nature-based solutions as a core strategy in Africa’s response to climate change”.
She added that the Centre seeks to leverage the continent’s abundant natural capital – our forests, soils, wetlands, rivers, and coastlines, to build climate resilience, enhance biodiversity, and drive sustainable development.
“We can use nature’s power to repair damaged landscapes, shield our communities from climatic shocks, and generate green jobs that promote equitable growth,” she said.
Confronting a Triple Crisis
The Board Chair warned that Africa continues to face the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, challenges that threaten food and water security, public health, and livelihoods across the continent.
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“These issues are not hypothetical dangers; rather, they are everyday occurrences throughout Africa. They have an impact on infrastructure, public health, our food and water security, and the livelihoods of millions of people who directly rely on natural ecosystems for their life”.
Rev. Aryee cautioned that the crises could make existing inequalities worse and reverse the progress already made in development.
Nature-Based Solutions: The Way Forward
Describing Nature-Based Solutions as “the most cost-effective and practical pathway to environmental protection, social and economic progress”, Rev. Aryee stressed that integrating NbS into national planning, finance, and policymaking is essential for building resilience.
Conclusion
The 2025 Dialogue’s was under the theme “Harnessing Nature-Based Solutions: A Pathway to Sustainable National Development” underscores the urgency for governments to embed environmental stewardship within their economic frameworks.