Guiding Principles

Release date	20/08/2012
Contributor	Kwesi Anderson

Conservation of the nation's biological diversity is based on eleven guiding principles, including:

• The conservation ethics, including the inherent right to existence of all living forms, is deeply rooted in the indigenous socio-cultural values of Ghanaians.

• Biological resources are natural capital and their conservation should be an investment that will yield benefits locally, nationally and globally for the present and future generations.

• Benefits accruing from the utilisation of biological diversity are to be shared equitably and fairly among all stakeholders. Benefits arising from the innovative use of traditional and customary knowledge of biological diversity will also be equitably shared with those from whom the knowledge has been acquired.

• Government will formulate and implement the policy framework for sustainable management of biological diversity in close consultation with and the active participation of all stakeholders.

• The conservation of biological diversity will be integrated at all levels into national, regional, district and sectoral planning efforts to implement the goals and objectives of the policy effectively.

• The sustainable management of biological diversity is the responsibility of all sectors of society. 

• The role of local communities and the wealth of traditional knowledge in the conservation, management and utilization of biological diversity must be recognized, protected, maintained, promoted and used with the approval and involvement of those who possess this knowledge.

•  Public awareness and education is essential for ensuring the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable utilization of its components.