Ghana, Malawi boost biodiversity data management with new digital platform

Ghana and Malawi are working to improve access to biodiversity data. They aim to centralise and manage national information on the Bioland Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) Portal.

A two-day workshop took place in Accra. It brought together stakeholders from government, academia, NGOs, and research institutions. The event was organised by Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS).

The training focused on unifying Ghana’s fragmented biodiversity data. This will create a national platform for policymakers, researchers, and the public. The goal is to streamline data management for reporting obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Mr. Han de Koeijer, Belgian Focal Point for CHM, explained the Bioland tool. It helps countries overcome technical barriers in setting up biodiversity information systems. He noted that valuable biodiversity information in Ghana is often scattered across various sources.

“When it’s time for reporting or planning, we start from scratch,” he said. “The Bioland tool creates a single platform for uploading and sharing data.” This tool enhances transparency and collaboration among agencies.

Dr. Peter Dery from MESTI highlighted the importance of the Bioland platform. It will help meet international reporting obligations and shape domestic conservation policies. He stressed that building capacity across sectors will improve transparency in Ghana's reporting standards.

Dr. Dery also mentioned that Ghana's revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is underway. It is expected to be finalised by September 2025.

Participants received hands-on training during the workshop. They learned how to upload data and align efforts with Ghana’s CBD commitments. Currently, 36 countries operate CHM websites powered by Bioland; another 24 are testing it.

By centralising biodiversity data access, the platform aims to support scientific research and inform policy decisions. The Bioland tool provides practical solutions for enhancing biodiversity information systems globally.