The Forestry Commission, Ghana and Wildlife Works, the world’s leading REDD+ project developer that delivers international carbon finance to Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and Global South governments, today announced the forming of a partnership aimed to create world-class REDD+ projects that contribute to Ghana’s ambitious emission reductions and nature conservation goals.
The announcement could see projects starting as soon as 2024. The partnership is focused on Wildlife Works and the Forestry Commission, Ghana jointly developing at least one active conservation project, whilst also creating a framework between the two parties to share best practices and recommendations on high-quality REDD+ project development, and tools to assure compliance with Cancun Safeguards and the Warsaw Framework.
The Forestry Commission, Ghana is currently implementing REDD+ Programs in both the High Forest and Northern Savannah zones of Ghana and has reported verified and validated Emission Reductions in its High Forest Zone Program, which would see almost 70% of benefits go to local communities.
Wildlife Works is already delivering major projects in DRC and Kenya, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and local communities – such as the Mai Ndombe REDD+ project, which protects 300,000 hectares of the Congo Basin (an area almost four times the size of NYC) from deforestation and channels millions of dollars to support sustainable develop in the region.
“In line with the Ghana REDD+ Strategy, we seek strategic partnerships to scale up climate interventions and actions. This partnership, therefore, serves as a major building block in our country’s commitment to conserve some of our most important forests and biodiversity. With their focus on working in partnership with forest communities and local communities, Wildlife Works is well-suited to partner with the Forestry Commission to apply best practices and together make recommendations to maximize the potential of the projects resulting from this partnership.” – said John Allotey, Chief Executive, Forestry Commission.
“We have been working in other parts of Africa for over 20 years applying our community-centered approach to conservation projects financed by the voluntary carbon market that deliver sustainable development investments that transform the lives of local communities and protect their natural environment. We are excited to expand our operations to Ghana and deliver on our commitment to generate the highest quality carbon credits from emission reductions that are real, permanent, and credible.” – said Mike Korchinsky, Founder and CEO of Wildlife Works.
The government of Ghana has committed to reducing its emissions by a total of 64 MtCO2eq by 2030 in its latest Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The country is adopting policies and goals aimed at increasing the climate resilience and economic prosperity of its people and conserving its natural heritage, biodiversity, forests, and ecosystems.
During the first phase of the partnership projected to be completed within the next three to six months, the two parties will assess opportunities for the creation of REDD+ projects, including options for carbon crediting, benefit sharing and project implementation.