World Bank and Solidaridad Partner to Enhance Social Inclusion in Ghana's Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program

The Forestry Commission of Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation within the framework of the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program.

The World Bank, in collaboration with Solidaridad West Africa (SWA), has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting social inclusion and gender equality within Ghana's Cocoa Forest Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Program. The project, supported by a US$4 million grant from the World Bank-managed Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE) Trust Fund, marks a significant step towards empowering vulnerable groups in climate action and equitable benefit sharing.

Objectives and Scope

The core objective of the project is to engage 20,000 farmers from 100 communities across Ghana, specifically targeting women, youth, migrant farmers, and persons with disabilities. These groups will receive direct support to enhance their participation in the emissions reduction efforts under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program. Key components of the initiative include:

Capacity Building: Providing training and skill development to increase understanding and engagement in the Emissions Reduction Program (ERP), including communication toolkits and specialized training programs.

Policy Formulation and Dialogue: Facilitating inclusive dialogues and policy formulation processes to ensure the voices of marginalized groups are heard in decision-making.

Support for Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: Offering seed grants and technical assistance to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and green infrastructure development, with a focus on enhancing livelihoods, particularly for women.

Legal Literacy: Educating communities on land rights, particularly under Ghana's 2020 Land Act, to ensure equitable access and participation in REDD+ initiatives requiring land access.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Implementation

The project will be jointly implemented by SWA and Tropenbos Ghana, leveraging their expertise and local networks to maximize impact. The Forestry Commission of Ghana, in partnership with the Ghana Cocoa Board, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation within the framework of the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program.

Strategic Significance

Speaking on the project's importance, Mr. Robert R. Taliercio, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, emphasized its role in amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups in climate change discourse and ensuring equitable access to emission reduction benefits. The initiative not only supports Ghana's efforts in forest conservation but also sets a precedent for inclusive climate action across the region.

EnABLE Trust Fund and Future Prospects

Established in 2020 with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the EnABLE Trust Fund focuses on promoting social inclusion in Results-Based Climate Finance (RCBF) programs. Its strategic approach includes enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities in emissions reduction initiatives, thereby maximizing both carbon and non-carbon benefits.

The EnABLE-funded project represents a critical intervention to empower marginalized communities in Ghana, ensuring they benefit equitably from climate action initiatives. By strengthening social inclusion and gender equality, the initiative not only contributes to sustainable development but also underscores the transformative power of collaborative efforts in combating climate change globally.