The 5th biennial meeting of the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) Ministerial Council was held in Accra. The meeting aimed to bring together Ministers responsible for environment, science, and Climate Change from 12 West African countries and Germany, along with diplomatic corps and global stakeholders. The goal was to explore strategies for enhancing the sub-region’s resilience against the global climate crisis.
The meeting was spearheaded by WASCAL, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) Germany. The event was hosted by the Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The theme for this year’s meeting was “Journey towards climate resilience to improve livelihoods in West Africa: Building sustainable partnerships and policies.” This theme aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address Climate Change.
The Ghana Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Kwaku Afriyie, highlighted the disproportionate impact of Climate Change on the African continent. He stressed the importance of collective efforts by both state and non-state actors to combat this common security threat.
The outgoing Chairman of the WASCAL Ministerial Council, Prof. Bourema Kansaye, underscored the threats of food insecurity, migration, and vulnerabilities posed by Climate Change to Africa. He emphasized the necessity for collaboration among civil society organizations, research institutions, and both state and non-state agencies to effectively tackle these challenges.
Her Excellency, Madam Bettina Stark Watzinger, the Federal Minister of Education and Research (BMBF) in Germany, stressed the importance of a solid financial basis for WASCAL. Urging an increase in third-party funding, she highlighted the need for member countries to contribute financially to ensure WASCAL’s sustainability.
Overall, the meeting aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and develop strategies to address the challenges posed by Climate Change in West Africa. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and financial support to strengthen WASCAL’s ability to provide scientific and climate services to member countries.
LINK TO THE GALLERY
https://wascal.org/gallery/nggallery/gallery/wascal-5th-ministerial-council-meeting-in-accra