A UNDP initiative has generated nearly $22 million to support landscape restoration in Ghana's cocoa growing regions. The project focuses on reducing emissions from deforestation and promoting sustainable farming through the Green Commodities Programme, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
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UNDP brought in 22 million for cocoa landscape restoration in Ghana. It is basically a performance contract, meaning more cash only comes if they show real results on the ground. Worth watching to see if the carbon payments actually scale.
The mention of carbon proceeds being shared with traditional authorities and women's groups is the key part here. If the benefit sharing is transparent, the policy succeeds. If it gets stuck in administration, the incentive for farmers to plant trees vanishes.
22 million is a start, but the article says the program ends this year. I am curious about the long term funding plan. Is the Forestry Commission actually budgeting for this, or is it just a hope for more carbon credits?
Pedersen specifically called for the Forestry Commission to commit long term funds via public budgets or loans. Right now it looks like a pilot that needs a permanent financial home to avoid collapsing after the UNDP exits.
