The Department of Environmental Management under the School of Natural Resources, on 16th July, 2026 marked World Environment Day at the RCEES Auditorium on the theme, “Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation,”
In a keynote address, the Bono Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ms. Awudu Amatu Mugless underscored the urgent need for stronger environmental action to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and enhance resilience against climate related challenges. She noted that climate change impacts are already evident through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons, flooding and ecosystem degradation. According to her, addressing these challenges requires more than policies and programmes, but also effective implementation, behavioural change, and active participation from individuals, institutions, and communities.
Ms. Mugless identified forest restoration, wetland rehabilitation, mangrove conservation, agroforestry and the protection of urban green spaces as critical nature-based solutions capable of supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. She further emphasized that the success of afforestation and reforestation initiatives should not be measured solely by the number of trees planted but by their survival, growth, and contribution towards restoring degraded ecosystems.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean, School of Engineering, Ing. Prof. Emmanuel Nyantakyi, commended the Department of Environmental Management and the School of Natural Resources for organizing the celebration. He noted that the event provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange among stakeholders and encouraged continued commitment towards promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The Dean, School of Natural Resources, Prof. Daniel Akoto Sarfo, reaffirmed UENR’s commitment to advancing sustainable environmental management through research, innovation, teaching and community engagement. He described the celebration as an important platform for stakeholders to reflect on their shared responsibility in protecting the environment and developing practical solutions to emerging environmental challenges.
Addressing the gathering, the Head, Department of Environmental Management Ing. Prof. Mary Antwi highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among academia, government, industry, and local communities to develop effective and sustainable responses to environmental concerns.
The celebration also featured an interdepartmental project presentation and exhibition, where departments within the School of Natural Resources showcased innovative solutions addressing environmental challenges through research and practical applications. The Department of Forest Science emerged winners of the Inter-Departmental Project Presentation and Exhibition.
