NewsINBAR Participates in Ghana’s 2024 Climate Change and Green Economy Week
Bamboo’s potential as a sustainable material was highlighted at the 2024 Ghana Climate Change and Green Economy Week, emphasizing its role in addressing climate change, reducing plastic waste
INBAR West Africa Regional Office (WARO) joined the 2024 Ghana Climate Change and Green Economy Week held from 14–18 October 2024. The week-long event, organized by the Government of Ghana led by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), brought together INBAR and various stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental degradation, with a focus on the pollution and health issues linked to single-use plastics. The theme of the week, “Greening Education, Changing Our Mindset, Changing Our Lifestyle,” highlights the urgent need for societal shifts to address the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and the economy in Ghana.
In a solidarity message at the launch of the celebration, Mr. Michael Kwaku, Acting Director of INBAR’s West Africa Regional Office, emphasized INBAR’s mission to promote bamboo and rattan as solutions for poverty alleviation, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the provision of affordable and sustainable energy services.
Mr. Kwaku highlighted bamboo’s potential as a sustainable alternative to plastic, underscoring its role in fostering environmental sustainability and combating climate change. He stated, ‘’INBAR is committed to advancing policies and providing technical and project support to its member countries, including Ghana, to ensure bamboo is recognized not only as a timber alternative but also as a key solution in Ghana’s transition from single-use plastics to sustainable bio-based and waste-free materials.’’
He also reaffirmed INBAR’s commitment to collaborating with its 51 Member States, with the INBAR WARO placing particular emphasis on Ghana, to transform communities, improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build the necessary skills to harness bamboo’s potential. INBAR aims to create value-added products that can replace plastic items like single-use bottles and packaging while driving nature-based solutions.
INBAR’s collaboration with key stakeholders and governments in Africa to tackle climate change has been widely praised, with many experts noting that this initiative will enhance understanding of climate change across sectors and raise awareness on the need to shift mindsets and lifestyles toward greater environmental sustainability.
