In the ECOWAS region, biomass has become a predominant source of domestic energy, most of which is unsustainably harvested and utilized. Traditional biomass (firewood and charcoal) represents the bulk of the final energy consumption, reaching up to 70-85% in some of the countries, which is negatively impacting on the environment, economy as well as on the lives of the people. Against this background, the GBEP, ECOWAS and the Government of Ghana, supported by the Government of the Netherlands conducted a pilot study on the applicability of GBEP Sustainability Indicators (SI) in Ghana, in 2012.
In line with this, the ECOWAS/GBEP workshop on the piloting of GBEP Sustainability Indicators will be held in Praia (Cape Verde), on the 7-8 November 2013. The aim is to share and disseminate the results of the Pilot Study conducted in Ghana with the other ECOWAS member states, and as well, raise awareness on the GBEP’s activities in the region.
The Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP) is a forum where national governments, international organizations and other partners engage in a dialogue on effective policy frameworks, identifying ways and means to facilitate investment, transfer of technology, enhance collaborative project development and their implementation to optimize the contribution of bioenergy to sustainable development, taking account of environmental, social and economic factors and has been working in close collaboration with the ECOWAS center for renewable energy and energy efficiency to promote sustainable bioenergy in the ECOWAS region.
See concept note attached for more information on the workshop.