The maiden edition of the Korea-Africa Environment Cooperation Forum, a climate-responsive programme with experts and participants from Korea and other parts of Africa has been held in Accra to explore and develop adaptation strategies to foster resilience and encourage climate-smart solutions in Africa.
The two-day knowledge-sharing forum, which took place in Accra, sought to emphasise the current climate change situation in Africa while drawing on expertise from across the continent to engage in impactful dialogues and deliver sustainable solutions.
The forum, organised by the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute (KEITI), supported by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was in strict adherence to international frameworks and agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and COP declarations on Climate Change.
It aimed to explore and develop tailored adaptation strategies to foster resilience and encourage climate-smart solutions in Africa across critical sectors such as waste and sanitation, agriculture, energy, and health; and enhance access to climate finance.
It was on the theme: “Climate Change — Africa’s approach towards resilience, adaptation and coping strategies”.
Africa’s resilience
Addressing the gathering as the guest speaker, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Brown-Klutse, emphasised Africa's resilience and potential, citing the continent's young population, vast renewable energy potential, and over 60 per cent uncultivated arable land.
She averred that Africa has been at the forefront of climate problems, battling droughts, floods, and displaced communities, but also highlighted the continent's determination to build a sustainable future.
“Despite having the lowest historical emissions, this continent is at the forefront of the climate problems, and with unwavering strength, we have been battling droughts, floods, and displacing our communities, shifting weather patterns that end traditional livelihoods and rising sea levels,” she said.
Prof. Brown-Klutse expressed delight in the partnership between Africa and Korea, stressing that it was essential to help Africa learn from a country that rose from disturbing environmental challenges decades ago to become an example.
Korean experience
In his address, the South Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, highlighted Korea's experience in transforming from a country facing significant environmental challenges to a global leader in green growth.
Ambassador Kyongsig indicated that Korea's experience in improving its garbage collection system, water treatment, and environmental management could be a valuable lesson for other countries, including those in Africa.
Strengthen cooperation
For his part, the Vice-President of KEITI, Kim Young Ki, reaffirmed KEITI's commitment to environmental cooperation with Ghana and other African nations, adding that KEITI opened its office in Accra last year to work with Ghana and other African countries on environmental protection and cooperation.
