Water & Environment Minister: “Our nation’s biodiversity is a regional treasure.”

In a recent workshop held in the temporary capital, Aden, Yemen’s Minister of Water and Environment, Engineer Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, highlighted the immense biodiversity wealth of the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for concerted efforts to preserve and nurture it. The workshop, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together national experts, consultants, and civil society organizations to address the challenges and threats facing Yemen’s biodiversity.

Facing Environmental Challenges

Minister Al-Sharjabi pointed out the severe threats to the country’s plant and animal life, including the rapid degradation of natural habitats, low environmental awareness, increased pressure on natural resources and wildlife, and the accelerated pace of desertification and soil degradation. He also noted the halt in conservation activities and the impacts of climate change and human activities on natural resources.

The situation has been exacerbated by the conflict initiated by the Houthi militias, which has led to widespread land pollution with mines and the clearing of large forest areas. Al-Sharjabi stressed the unique biodiversity of Yemen, which includes a rich variety of plants, birds, marine resources, coastal and island ecosystems, and the need for a national action plan to protect these assets.

The Importance of Water Resources

The minister underscored the critical role of water resources in biodiversity and highlighted the degradation of water quality and quantity due to overuse and extraction of groundwater. He pointed to effective government measures at the national level to preserve water through strict basin management and changes in agricultural practices.

Urban Water Use Challenges

Al-Sharjabi also addressed the pressing problem of water use in urban areas, particularly in Aden, calling for measures to mitigate these issues. He encouraged workshop participants to contribute valuable insights to the national biodiversity strategy.

A Collaborative Effort for Biodiversity

The workshop discussed the national biodiversity strategy’s strategic challenges, involving a diverse group of specialists, academics, experts, and stakeholders. Topics included plant groups, marine life, birds, coastal and marine habitats, protected areas, and environmentally sensitive regions. Civil society organizations, youth groups, and national experts presented policy recommendations, emphasizing the need for monitoring and regulation.

This event marks a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the environmental challenges facing Yemen, with a focus on preserving its rich biodiversity for future generations.

 

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