Month: June 2022

Eritrea is a signatory to various conventions related to the environment. In 1996, it acceded to the Convention on Biological Diversity which provides general obligations for member states. As a signatory to the Convention, which came into force in 1993, it has issued appropriate legal and institutional adjustments to enable it to implement and enforce the provisions of the convention. The issuance of the multiple proclamations intended for the rehabilitation and protection of the environment demonstrates the commitment of the government.

Recognizing the significance of having a guiding policy on biodiversity, the government designed the first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in 2000. The NBSAP presents the overall policy position to restore, conserve and manage the biodiversity of Eritrea. Two years later Legal Notice No 63/2002 on “Regulation to prohibit the production, importation, sale or distribution of thin plastic bags in Eritrea” was issued to prohibit the production, import, sale, or distribution of plastic bags of high density or low-density polyethylene product not exceeding 2 mm in thickness. To protect the environment from the adverse effects of harmful chemicals, the government issued Legal Notice No. 11/2006 on “Regulations issued to determine the Importation, Handling, Use, Storage and Disposal of Pesticides.” This proclamation identified and listed pesticides that may be imported to Eritrea.

To manage the water resource in a balanced and sustainable manner and to secure the participation of the people in safeguarding the proper utilization of the water resources Legal Notice 162/2010 on “The Eritrean Water Proclamation” was issued in 2010. The objective of the proclamation is to ensure that the water resources (surface and groundwater) of the country are utilized in a sustainable manner and for the best social and economic advantage of the Eritrean people. Conservation and protection of water resources from pollution are critical for the overall development and transformation of the people.

Another regulation worth mentioning is the Environmental Management Regulations NO.127/2017. Article 11 of this legal notice is devoted to waste disposal and management. The article states that “Every urban and rural administrative authority shall establish efficient waste management systems and safe dumping sites in their locality.” As far as the management of hazardous wastes, Article 14 of the proclamation lists and classifies hazardous wastes.

The Eritrean Environment Protection, Management and Rehabilitation Framework Proclamation No. 179/2017 is another legal notice published with the objective to establish the foundation of environmental management and protection laws and provide the institutions and legal instruments for their implementation and enforcement. It also aims to advance an environmental policy framework consistent with sustainable development. These proclamations are intended to protect the biotic factors such as human beings, plants, animals, and microbes as well as abiotic factors such as air, water and soil. To reverse the adverse environmental problems, various measures such as soil and water conservation, area closures, afforestation, and rehabilitation of degraded areas have been undertaken by the government in collaboration with local communities.

In the past, the thirty-year-long armed struggle together with the persistent drought has negatively impacted the natural environment of Eritrea. The country’s rich biological diversity has been denuded for decades. This deterioration of the natural environment added complications to the fight against poverty.

National development depends on the use of natural resources. During the colonial era, the natural resources of Eritrea were exploited without attention to conservation and sustainability. This awareness of past affliction prompted the newly independent country, Eritrea, to adopt the National Code of Conduct on the Environment in 1995 to demonstrate an “unfailing dedication to maintain the national lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air) at levels of purity conducive to a healthy environment.”

Eritreans have a deep sense of public participation. Community involvement has always been an indispensable element in winning any national action. This national character must be channeled to the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for present and future generations. The protection of the environment should be made part of our policy of national security. The defense of our resources is just as important as the defense of our territorial integrity. As the survival of the fish is solely dependent on the water the survival of human beings is entirely dependent on a clean and green environment. A healthy environment has a bio-magnetic force that attracts everything necessary for life. Among others, trees attract and support life. Planting trees is equivalent to planting hope for the future. The plantation is the best option to have a green environment and the best option against pollution.

Extensive deforestation has resulted in many indigenous plant species becoming extinct or endangered, and it affected the fertility of the soil and crop production. It’s time to reverse the situation and nurture our nature so that we can have a better future. Every responsible citizen must join the race to make the natural environment of Eritrea a better place.

Although it’s virtually impossible to develop a nation without making an impact on the environment, we should always remember that we can lead healthy lives only when we keep the natural environment safe. Therefore, the nationwide initiatives such as community-led soil and water conservation and summer work of students should be intensified for sustainable development and for both present and future generations of Eritrea to live in dignity.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea

CAIRO– The amount of electricity generated from renewable energy in Egypt increased from 8.7 billion kWh in 2019/2020, to 10.2 billion kWh in 2020/2021, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.2 percent, Egypt’s official statistics agency said, yesterday.

“Egypt has the largest wind and solar energy capacity in the Middle East and North Africa,” according to a report issued by the country’s Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), on the eve of the World Environment Day, which is marked by the United Nations on Jun 5, every year.

The number of natural gas-powered cars in Egypt increased by 20.6 percent from 42,292 cars in 2019/2020, to 51,000 cars in 2020/2021, according to the report.

Egypt is heading towards a higher usage of renewable energy, as part of its Egypt Vision 2030 agenda.

Over the past few years, Egypt has been building the Benban Solar Energy Park, in the southern province of Aswan, which is one of the world’s largest solar plants.

Egypt will also host the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference later this year, in Sharm el-Sheikh, a Red Sea resort city.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK

The empowerment of the disabled and other socially and physically disadvantaged segments of the society continues to be a priority of Eritrea’s development agenda. The government and community organizations are actively working to ensure that Eritreans living with disabilities are not left behind.

Soon after Eritrea’s independence, associations were established to represent and work for people with disabilities. The associations secured unfettered support from the government and the people living inside and outside of Eritrea. The associations that are functioning include the Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans Association, Eritrean National Association of the Deaf, Eritrean National Association of the Blind and National Association of Autism and Down syndrome in Eritrea. These associations advocate for the rights of people with disability, conduct public awareness campaigns, and provide services.

In collaboration with various community organizations, programs are being launched to develop personal skills of the disabled to help them have better and dignified lives. The Eritrean Hearing and Visually Impaired (EHVI) is an association launched in 2014 by interested Eritreans living in the USA and Canada who are dedicated to improve the lives of those with hearing and visual problems. The organization makes a lot of contribution in terms of material, technology and ideas to help Eritrea deal with disability. The association has sent a delegation composed of Mr. Araya Efriem (vice chairman), Yordanos Abraham (a visually impaired woman), Dr. Mihreteab Gebrehiwet and Azieb Mihtsun to boost the cooperation and coordination with local stakeholders and to deliver important mobility and accessibility materials for the deaf and the visually impaired citizens.

I had an extensive discussion with Mr. Araya Efriem and Ms. Yordanos Abraham about the activities, objectives and future plans of EHVI. They believe that hearing and visual impairment are social challenges that need to be confronted adequately. They explained to me the necessity of learning about, adapting to, and coping with disability. Mr. Araya Efriem briefly stated that “the success of any investment can only be ensured if and only if the societal and attitudinal barriers and negative thoughts and feelings about disability are eliminated and replaced by positive attitudes.” Their contribution is of high importance for the empowerment of the visually impaired and deaf citizens and for the elimination of social injustice and discrimination. They have reached an agreement with the Association of Eritrean Artists to conduct an intensive awareness-raising campaign in the near future.

EHVI has delivered computers with applicable software ready to go, talking watch, white canes, support canes, a reading device for the visually impaired college students, magnifier-glass for those with low vision, special sport facilities and spare parts. Visually impaired students of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Adi Keih has received the support needed to enhance their learning. The association expects individuals with disabilities to deal with their challenges and excel in what they do.

The Eritrean people fervently believe in cooperation. People need to cooperate to survive and prosper. It’s been considered a foundation for the effective functioning of a society. In the dog-eat-dog world, Eritreans living inside and outside of the country cooperate and work together for the betterment of their life and their country. Mr. Araya Efriem argued that cooperation is necessary for Eritrea’s prosperity and for its achievement in various fields such as education, health and sport. Cooperation is the foundation for participation, inclusion, social integration and cohesion.

Social inclusion is understood as a process by which efforts are made to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of people’s background, so that individuals can achieve their full potential in life. The contribution of EHVI is aimed at creating conditions to enable full and active participation of every member of the society in all aspects of life. The initiative taken by the Eritrean diaspora goes beyond material assistance. More importantly, it’s one way of expression of the intimate connection they have with homeland.

The cooperation of the Eritrean diaspora is a reflection of the strong social cohesion that exists in the Eritrean society. Cooperation, which has become a tradition in Eritrea, enables Eritreans to help one another. The true meaning of the contributions of the diaspora community can only be understood from this perspective. The Eritrean society is unified and every citizen feels a sense of belonging.

Giving support to young citizens living with disability is a conscious decision to sustain an inclusive society, recognizing the human rights of every individual and giving them support to become active and productive citizens. An inclusive society must be based on respect for human rights, including respect for the special needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, and social justice. Supporting organizations such as EHVI are motivated by the policy of social justice which is the guiding principle of Eritrea. To be involved in organizations such as EHVI is performing moral, human and national duties all at once.

The Eritrean society is tolerant, inclusive and supportive that embraces all people. The government’s policy of social justice that aims to ensure that no one is left behind has a strong social and cultural basis. Giving assistance to those in need is a culture in Eritrea. EHVI believes that no one can be empowered by simply receiving handouts. Mr. Araya Efriem and Yordanos Abraham emphasized that the objective of their organization is to help the target group to become productive by establishing revenue generation centers.

The establishment of revenue generating centers would allow the physically disabled to participate in a process of changing their individual lives as well as the collective lives. The association has completed a design of the center they want to establish and they are contacting relevant authorities for the final phase of implementation.

Through the coordination of various governmental and non-governmental entities, “leaving no one behind” has become a practical guiding principle. The dignity of the citizens with disability are recognized, their needs and concerns reflected, and their rights are not only guaranteed in legislation but also respected. The contribution of the Eritrean diaspora in making the idea of “leaving no one behind” a reality is impressive. Their involvement holds an important place in making a fairer Eritrea in which everyone, including those with disability, can go as far as their talents and hard work will take them.

Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea