Preamble

Recognizing the urgent need to address the climate change crisis and its pervasive impacts on our environment, economy, and communities, we, the undersigned partners and stakeholders brought together under the auspices of GreenPeace Africa, come together in solidarity and commitment. Further recognising that, Africa is the continent that contributes less to the climate crisis but is the most vulnerable, in the spirit of collaboration and collective action, we acknowledge that climate change is a global challenge requiring global and localized as well as comprehensive responses, especially in countries like Ghana which are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

Acknowledgment

Notwithstanding the effort made by the public authorities to combat climate change, we, the members of this newly formed movement acknowledge the:

1. We recognize the clear lack of political will and the complexity of key stakeholders which results in the lack of investment and short-term policy vision.
2. The adverse impacts of climate change, including increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, frequent and severe extreme weather events and the loss of critical biodiversity, which threatens the livelihoods and well-being of the people of Ghana.
3. The significant role of human activities such as deforestation, illegal mining (Galamsey), poaching, waste colonialism, over fishing and the continuous use of highly hazardous pesticides and fertilizers in driving these alarming negative changes and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
4. The importance of climate justice, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support and resources necessary to adapt, mitigate and restore damaged environment
5. The critical role of community engagement, education, and evidence -based advocacy in fostering sustainable and resilient communities in the future.
6. Severeimpacts of the climate crisis on food security and
7. The role of local/indigenous knowledge and resources in promoting sustainable community practices.

Objectives

In light of the above, we hereby declare the formation of the GCJM, with the following objectives:

1. Climate Adaptation and Mitigation:

• Promote and implement sustainable practices and strategies that reducegreenhouse gas emissions.
• Develop and support initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of communities, marginalized and vulnerable groups to climate change impacts.

2. Climate Justice:

• Advocate for policies and practices that support equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups.
• Ensure that climate action is inclusive and participatory, reflecting the voices and needs of all community members.

3. Collaboration and Partnership:

• Foster collaboration among governmental, non-governmental, private sector, academia, community-based, faith-based organisations and traditional institutions to create synergies and maximize impact.
• Shareknowledge, and best practices to enhance collective
• Collaborate and promote mobilisation on finance, capacity and technological assistance to enhance a collective action.

4. Education and Advocacy:

• Raise awareness about climate change and its impacts through educational programs and public campaigns.
• Advocate for development and implementation of robust climate policies at local, national, and international levels.
• Emphasison localized policy not informed by external
• The inclusion of local/indigenous knowledge and practices to achieve long term

5. Research and Innovation:

• Support and conduct research on climate change impacts and solutions tailored to the Ghanaian context.
• Encourageinnovation in sustainable technologies and
• Promotethe use of local/indigenous knowledge, nature-based solutions and or ecosystem-based approaches.

6. Communication

• Media
• Effectivecommunication

7. Commitment

By signing this declaration, we commit to:

• Activelyparticipate in the activities and initiatives of the
• Upholdthe principles of sustainability, equality, equity, and justice in all our
• Workcollaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve our shared
• Monitorand evaluate our progress to ensure transparency and

Enforcement

This movement shall be led by a steering committee with administrative support from the Greenpeace secretariate.

Signatories

This declaration is endorsed by the following partners and stakeholders, representing a diverse array of organizations committed to climate justice in Ghana:

Logo and/or names of organizations

Conclusion

On this day, July 12, 2024, we, the members of the GCJM, pledge our dedication to addressing the urgent and pressing issue of climate change. Together, we will strive to build a more sustainable, just, and resilient future for Ghana and the world.

This declaration serves as a formal commitment to our shared goals and the beginning of a collaborative journey towards meaningful climate justice in Ghana.