Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), has called for urgent, science-based biodiversity conservation measures to protect Africa’s natural resources and secure sustainable development for future generations.

He made the call during his inaugural lecture held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at UESD in Somanya, Eastern Region, under the theme “Biodiversity at the Crossroads: Science, Conservation and Sustainable Development in Africa.”

The event attracted members of the University Council, academics, government officials, conservation experts, development partners, students, traditional leaders, and members of the public, all of whom gathered to discuss the importance of biodiversity conservation in advancing Africa’s sustainable development agenda.

Drawing on more than 30 years of research, conservation practice, and academic leadership, Professor Wiafe Debrah outlined the growing threats confronting Africa’s biodiversity. He identified habitat destruction, climate change, illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, land degradation, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources as major challenges undermining ecosystems across the continent.

According to him, biodiversity should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue but as a critical pillar of development that supports food security, water resources, climate resilience, public health, tourism, livelihoods, and economic growth.

“Biodiversity is not a luxury. It is the foundation of sustainable development. When biodiversity declines, development itself becomes more fragile,” Professor Wiafe Debrah said.

Throughout the lecture, he explored a central question that has shaped much of his academic and professional work: “How can development proceed without destroying the ecological systems that sustain life?”

Using evidence from decades of research in primate conservation, wildlife management, forest ecology, environmental governance, ecosystem restoration, human-wildlife conflict, and community-based conservation, he demonstrated how scientific research can provide practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

A major highlight of the lecture focused on his internationally acclaimed work on endangered primates within the Upper Guinea Forest ecosystem. His research has contributed significantly to the conservation of species including the critically endangered Roloway Monkey, Lowe’s Monkey, White-thighed Colobus, and Olive Colobus.

His work has also informed conservation policies, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments, protected area management strategies, and international species recovery programmes.

Professor Wiafe Debrah stressed that conservation efforts should go beyond law enforcement and the establishment of protected areas. Instead, he advocated integrated approaches that combine scientific research, community participation, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, and accountable governance.

He noted that local communities must be recognised as active partners and direct beneficiaries of conservation initiatives rather than passive observers.

“Conservation succeeds when science informs action, when communities are partners, and when future generations remain at the centre of our decisions,” he stated.

The inaugural lecture also highlighted Professor Wiafe Debrah’s extensive contributions to environmental impact assessment, biodiversity management planning, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation research, and international conservation policy development. His work has influenced conservation efforts not only in Ghana but across Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD praised Professor Wiafe Debrah for his outstanding achievements in research, conservation practice, mentorship, and university leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor described him as an accomplished scholar whose work reflects the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and societal transformation.

The lecture concluded with a strong appeal for governments, universities, civil society organisations, development partners, local communities, and the private sector to work together in protecting biodiversity as a foundation for sustainable development across Africa.

Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah currently serves as the Pro Vice-Chancellor of UESD and is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s leading experts in biodiversity conservation, primatology, forestry, wildlife ecology, environmental governance, and sustainable development.

With more than three decades of experience in research, consultancy, higher education, and conservation management, he has authored numerous scholarly publications and contributed to global conservation initiatives, including IUCN Red List assessments and international primate conservation action plans.

The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), based in Somanya in the Eastern Region, is Ghana’s premier public university dedicated to environmental sustainability. The institution focuses on teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement aimed at producing environmentally conscious leaders and practical solutions for national and global sustainable development.