Denmark Embassy Hosts High-Level Dialogue on EU Deforestation Regulation in Ghana
The Denmark Ambassador to Ghana, Tom Norring, recently hosted a significant stakeholder event focused on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation mandates that companies ensure products entering the EU market are deforestation-free, set to take effect on December 30, 2025, following a one-year postponement.
In collaboration with Preferred by Nature, the Danish embassy is committed to educating Ghanaian businesses on the benefits of a healthy ecosystem and aiding compliance with the EUDR. This includes providing resources like an open-source Due Diligence Toolkit and a risk-based auditing approach to promote sustainable sourcing and responsible supply chains.
The seminar attracted over 30 participants from government sectors, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and international development partners, fostering a rich dialogue on nature-based solutions to combat climate change.
Key Discussions and Insights
The dialogue highlighted the critical role of natural systems in addressing climate change, noting that they are both impacted by it and possess significant potential for delivering ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and enhancing livelihoods. Participants discussed the ongoing threats to Ghana’s ecosystems, including mangroves, which are vital for the well-being of communities reliant on agriculture and fisheries.
Ambassador Norring emphasized the importance of producing goods in Europe without contributing to deforestation elsewhere. Irchad Razaaly, the EU Ambassador to Ghana, echoed these sentiments, stressing that climate change is a global challenge requiring collective action.
Key takeaways from the seminar included:
- The need for improved monitoring of protected areas.
- The critical role of leadership in ecosystem restoration.
- Expansion of clean cooking initiatives to reduce deforestation.
- Increased education and awareness on environmental issues.
- Enhanced private sector engagement in sustainable management.
- Explicit connections between Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contribution and nature-based solutions.
Preferred by Nature’s Commitment
Preferred by Nature has been actively tracking the EUDR since its proposal in November 2021, providing businesses with tools and support for compliance. Their offerings include:
- Due Diligence Toolkit: An open-source resource for responsible sourcing.
- Risk-Based Auditing: A streamlined approach to auditing that focuses on high-risk areas.
- EUDR Training: Educational seminars and webinars to raise awareness about EUDR requirements.
- PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System Verification: A service helping businesses demonstrate that their materials are deforestation-free.
Sandra Razanamandrato, Global Director of Regional Engagement and Communication at Preferred by Nature, emphasized the need to bridge gaps in the supply chain to facilitate compliance for both government and private sectors.
Conclusion
The seminar served as a platform for renewing commitments to halt desertification and deforestation while encouraging the adoption of nature-based solutions in Ghana’s policies and programs. With the EUDR set to reshape the landscape of commodity imports and exports, stakeholders in Ghana are poised to take action toward sustainable practices that protect the environment and bolster local economies.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
