Fumesua, Kumasi, Ghana – April 8, 2025
The International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation, through its National Coordination Office for Côte d’Ivoire, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (CSIR-FORIG). This collaboration aims to bolster regional efforts in climate diplomacy, sustainable development, and environmental resilience within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework.
A Unified Approach to Climate Action
The partnership was formalized at CSIR-FORIG’s headquarters in Fumesua, near Kumasi, Ghana. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a joint commitment to:
- Implement regional agroforestry and forestry support programs, focusing on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Develop technical concepts and strategies for national adaptation plans (NAPs) and nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
- Provide technical and financial assistance to ECOWAS member states in organizing electoral observations and executing sustainable development projects.
This initiative aligns with IHRC’s broader mission to promote human rights, good governance, democracy, and environmental sustainability across West Africa.
Key Stakeholders and Signatories
The MoU was signed by:
- Mr. Vamara Fofana, IHRC Country Representative and Regional Project Coordinator for Côte d’Ivoire.
- Dr. Kwame Antwi Oduro, Director and Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-FORIG.
Other notable attendees included:
- Dr. James Amponsah, Research Scientist and Head of the National Tree Seed Centre, CSIR-FORIG.
- Dr. Eng. Prosper Mensah, Research Scientist, CSIR-FORIG.
Support from the African Development Bank
The collaboration is further strengthened by support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), particularly through its Climate Action Window (CAW). This backing underscores the significance of the partnership in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable development in the region.
Advancing Environmental Diplomacy
This partnership exemplifies a proactive approach to environmental diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling climate change. By integrating scientific research with human rights advocacy, IHRC and CSIR-FORIG aim to:
- Enhance biodiversity conservation and combat desertification.
- Strengthen community resilience to climate-induced challenges.
- Promote sustainable land management practices across ECOWAS member states.
Looking Ahead
As preparations for COP29 intensify, this partnership positions IHRC and CSIR-FORIG at the forefront of regional climate initiatives. Their collaborative efforts are expected to serve as a model for similar alliances, fostering a unified and effective response to environmental challenges in West Africa.
For more information on CSIR-FORIG’s initiatives, visit their official website.
Article prepared by:
Fofana Vamara—IHRC Commisioner, IHRC Press Journalist
what we do today we do for tomorrow
The IHRC and CSIR-FORIG partnership marks a significant milestone in West Africa’s climate diplomacy journey. By combining expertise and resources, both organizations can drive meaningful change, foster sustainable development, and enhance regional resilience to climate change. This strategic alliance has the potential to inspire collective action, inform policy decisions, and promote a climate-resilient future for West Africa.
Kudos to both organizations for this forward-thinking initiative!
oh that’s awesome
am so happy to be hear….
This is a very important step. Climate action and human rights must go hand in hand to protect our communities and future generations. I am proud to see IHRC leading partnerships for a better, sustainable West Africa
Am very much grateful 💯
Leave a comment… what we do today we do for tommoroe
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Leave a comment…we are human rights member now
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Leave a comment…I am happy to meet you
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Leave a comment…nice to meet you
Leave a comment…thank you much
To support IHRC in promoting awareness to humanity.
To support IHRC in promoting awareness to humanity
A very welcome development, more strength.
Very good collaboration.
This is a good step and it will make a good undims for African to overcome this natural disasters.
This very good and it will help African to avoid the effects of natural disasters such as drought and earthquake.
This is very important, it will help reduce natural disasters which are happening in Africa as well as preventing drought which can allow many African countries to have more yields.
what we do today we do for tomorrow
The collaboration between IHCR and FORIG under the Partnership for Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Developpement in West Africa is an innovative response to climate challenges in West Africa.It combines humanitarian action and environmental expertise to promote sustainable and resilient development.