Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Conducts Comprehensive Field Visit to Galmudug
Galkacyo (LM), Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change of the Federal Government, H.E. Bashir Mohamed Jama, along with other State officials, conducted an extensive field visit to various areas and districts within the Galmudug State. The purpose of this visit was to closely assess the drought situation, the impact of climate change, and the living conditions faced by communities in both rural and urban areas of Galmudug.
Minister Bashir was accompanied by the Minister of Environment of Galmudug, Senator Sa’id Siyasad, senior officials from the Galmudug administration, and members from the Federal Ministry of Environmental and Climate Change. This monitoring trip was part of the ongoing efforts initiated by Minister Bashir to stay informed about the real situation in regions affected by drought and climate change.
During the visit, Minister Bashir specifically traveled to the Bud-bud district, which has been significantly impacted by climate change, including the destruction of homes due to flooding and other challenges directly affecting community livelihoods. The Minister visited homes affected by the disaster, listening to the complaints, suggestions, and urgent needs presented by community members, particularly women, children, and rural residents.
The Minister noted that climate change is a national challenge requiring a unified plan, collaboration at both the federal and state levels, and community participation. He pledged that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change would strengthen efforts to mitigate the impacts of drought while enhancing projects related to climate change adaptation, environmental restoration, and sustainable use of natural resources.
During the field mission, the Minister held an awareness-raising meeting with community members and rural residents, discussing the dangers of deforestation and environmental degradation. He described tree cutting as one of the major issues facing the environment in Somalia, as it directly leads to recurring drought, soil erosion, and depletion of natural resources. The Minister stressed that the protection of forests is a national responsibility and that community awareness needs to be bolstered, encouraging the use of alternative energy sources instead of firewood, and strengthening the enforcement of environmental protection laws.
Furthermore, the Minister visited other regions in Galmudug, where he specifically assessed the drought situation and its effects on pastoralists, who are the backbone of the country’s economy. He received detailed reports from traditional elders, intellectuals, and community members about the losses incurred by the drought on livestock, water scarcity, and the displacement of some families
In conclusion, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change stressed that addressing drought and climate change is not solely the responsibility of one ministry but requires the involvement of all sectors of society, government agencies, and other stakeholders. He urged the people of Galmudug and all Somali citizens to take a visible role in environmental protection to ensure a safe future, a healthy environment, and sustainable development that benefits both current and future generations.
Leadership Magazine-Somalia
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