The Governor of Socotra meets with the joint monitoring team from UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Meeting with UNESCO and IUCN Representatives

Today, the Governor of Socotra Archipelago, Engineer Raafat Al-Thaqali, met with a joint monitoring team from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The discussion focused on the environmental situation in the province and efforts to preserve the global significance of the Socotra site.

Local Efforts to Protect Biodiversity

During the meeting, Governor Al-Thaqali reviewed the local authorities’ initiatives to protect the archipelago’s biodiversity and natural environment. The team included Salah Al-Din Khalid, the UNESCO office director in Doha, Susanna Kari, a project officer from the World Heritage Center, and Tarek Mustafa Abu Al-Hawa, an expert from the IUCN. Al-Thaqali highlighted the significant challenges facing Socotra, particularly due to severe climate changes that have led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and the decline of numerous Dragon’s Blood trees.

Recent Conservation Initiatives

The governor noted that, in recent months, local authorities have rehabilitated four nature reserves and improved their infrastructure with support from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Additionally, they established a Socotri language center to preserve the island’s intangible cultural heritage.

Importance of a Comprehensive Master Plan

Al-Thaqali emphasized the need to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for the Socotra Archipelago. This plan will outline environmental and community land uses while also focusing on training local personnel in environmental impact assessment and sustainable development.

Community Commitment to Environmental Preservation

Team members praised the local community’s commitment to preserving the island’s environment despite ongoing challenges. They reaffirmed UNESCO’s readiness to provide necessary support in this endeavor.

By addressing these critical issues, the Socotra Archipelago aims to safeguard its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage for future generations.

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