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Forward
Environment and natural resources in Somalia are valuable national assets that must
be sustainably managed for present and future generations. They offer a range of
benefits and opportunities for local and national economic development, improved
livelihoods and provision of environmental goods and services. Despite being the
foundation on which sustainable development is anchored, there are many
environmental disaster issues and challenges facing this nation. Notable drivers of
environmental disaster are high rates of population growth, inappropriate technology,
unsustainable consumption and production patterns, increased incidences of poverty,
climate change and civil war. Further, urban environmental disorder, through lack of
appropriate Solid waste management and sanitation systems,deforestration and
transport related Air pollution, adversely impact on air, water pollution, soil quality
and human health and well being. Another major set of challenges arises from
emerging global environmental concerns such as stratospheric ozone layer depletion
and biodiversity loss. These have led to changes in the relationship between people
and ecosystems. If this trend is left unchecked it will lead to further serious
environmental disaster that may perpetuate deprivation and poverty.
Environmental Background
Somalia has experienced over two decades of political conflict. The toll on the nation
has been devastating which has caused the rise of pirates, climate change, toxic waste
dumping and destruction of the forestry and turning huge tracks of land into barren
fields. Much of the forestry was destroyed to satisfy for the charcoal demand in and
outside Somalia. Moreover, business elements imported expired food and medicines
and benefited from the lack of the rule of law and quality control. This has lead to
food poisoning and thousands of people falling ill. Doctors have been working in
these conditions, discovering unknown human diseases every day. In addition,
prohibited agrochemicals and other harmful products to human and environment have
been recorded across the country. Organizations or functioning institutions that
safeguard safe drinking water, health and safety have not been put in place. Other
Standards or regulations regarding Cities planning, Housing quality, hazard control
are yet to be put in practice nationwide. Water pollution, Air pollution, sea pollution
and solid waste continue to affect large areas in the country.
Introduction
A combination of social and cultural dynamics, politics, economics, and the condition
of ecosystems affects how people in Somalia are born, grow, live, work and ages.
Somalias long-lasting civil strife, disorder and lack of a functioning government for
more than twenty years have contributed to the de-pressed state of environmental
conditions and the implications for public health. The absence of appropriate
governance, a regulation and legislative frame-work, enforcement and control over
attainment and use of natural and environmental resources have had not yet
significant impact in Somalia.

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1: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT POLICY

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
Somalia has witnessed unprecedented political and socio-economic transformation
since independence. High population growth, shrinking productive land and
technological changes are some of the significant changes. These interlinked
components provide the backdrop against which to view changes in the state of the
countrys environment. This is because they serve a dual purpose as some of the most
forceful drivers of environmental change. The main human activities contributing to
Environmental disaster in nationwide includes unsustainable land use practices, poor
soil and water management practices, deforestation, overgrazing and pollution.
: unregulated activities contribute a great deal to environmental disaster of the
countrys scarce natural resources such as land, fresh water/ marine waters and
biodiversity thereby threatening the livelihoods of many people. They also
undermine the sink function of the environment which operates through such
processes as nutrient recycling, decomposition and the natural purification and
filtering of air and water from pollution.
Environmental disaster(forest elimination for charcoal) in Somalia directly
contributes to impacts of climate change as is witnessed decrease of ground water,
drought mass immigration increase of food imports/cities density shortage and in
equality health service. These are not only increasing human Vulnerability and
health insecurity but also draining the countrys economic resources. The
expansion of human activities into marginal areas leading to clearance of natural
habitats such as tree cutting for charcoal use has been a major driving force
behind land environmental disaster throughout the country. The continuous loss
of biological resources and ecosystem translates into loss of economic potential
and signal of GNP crisis. This backdrop provides the justification for this
Environment Policy. It gives the framework to guide the countrys efforts in
addressing the Ever-growing environmental issues and challenges such as:
Environmental governance:
Lack of many partial policies and laws. These include policies and laws concerning
agriculture, land, water, forests, sustainable cities , trade which have significantly
important on the environment. The sector rather than integrated and ecosystem
approach to management of natural resources has proved inadequate in addressing of
environmental challenges. In addition, lack of law enforcement/policies and
implementation of remaining a major issue concern in Somalias environment sector.
Loss of biodiversity: Somalia continues to lose her biodiversity due to habitat
destruction, overgrazing, deforestation, pollution, unsustainable Harvesting of
natural resources.
Valuation of environmental and natural resources:
Environmental and natural resources are largely considered quality of public
Goods and Integrating environmental considerations into the behavior of
enterprises and consumers would reflect a change in consumption and
production patterns.
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Rehabilitation and restoration of environmentally disaster areas:

There are several disastered areas in Somalia which require rehabilitation and
restoration. These include sea/land, riverbanks, forest plantation, shoreline, hilltops
and disused quarries and mines.
Urbanization, waste management and pollution:
Increasing rates of urbanization is caused by natural growth of the urban population
and rural-urban migration. Urbanizations often leads to destruction of sensitive
ecosystems. Poor solid waste management causes urban pollution and poor health
effect.
Climate change, energy, security and disaster management:
Climate change poses significant environmental challenges for Somalia as evidenced
by the frequent droughts and water shortages that even affect of power supplies.
2. GOAL, OBJECTIVES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The goal of this Policy is Better quality of life for present and future generations
through sustainable management and use of the environment and natural resources.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this Policy are to provide a framework for an environmental
approach to planning and sustainable management of Somalias environment and
natural resources.
Ensure sustainable management of environmental education, such as unique
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, for national economic growth and improved
livelihoods.
Promote and support research and capacity development as well as use of
innovative environmental management tools such as incentives, disincentives,
total economic valuation, indicators of sustainable development, s
Promote domestication, coordination and maximization of benefit from
Strategic Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
Public participation, environmental education and awareness:
Broad public participation in decision making processes is one of the fundamental
preconditions for sustainable development. This presupposes access to timely and
accurate information on the environment. Environmental management and education
for all ages has to be basic participation of demand.
Poverty:
Rising poverty levels have impacted negatively on the environment. Poverty is a
major cause and consequence of environmental disaster and resources depletion
because of lack of alternatives.
Chemicals and Management:
Chemicals are an important contributor to national development plan across all
sectors as well as disaster to the environment and human. They form an important
input to agriculture, manufacturing, energy, leisure and as ingredients to
Commonly used materials such as plastics, electronics, refrigerators and air
conditioning..
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Implementation of these objectives will be guided by the following principles:
Environmental Right, Ecosystem Approach, Right to Development, Total
Economic Value, Sustainable Resource Use, Equity, Public Participation,
Subsidiary, Precautionary Principle Polluter, International Cooperation. Good
Governance, Benefit sharing, Community Empowerment.
1. Forest Ecosystem
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Formulate strategies to increase tree cover.
Develop and implement a national strategy for rehabilitation and restoration of to
avoid charcoal use and degraded forest ecosystems and water catchment areas
with active community involvement/participation.
Support effective implementation of the forest and other related policies and
laws.
Develop and implement national standards, principles and criteria of Sustainable
forest management.
2. Costal, marine ecosystem, Fresh Water and Ecosystem
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement integrated freshwater and wetland resources
Promote and institutionalize payment for environmental services schemes to
Promote sustainable use of freshwater and highland resources.
Develop and implement catchment-based wetland management plans
Ensure rehabilitation and restoration of degraded highlands, riverbanks
Promote sustainable use of marine resources and the conservation of vulnerable
coastal ecosystems.
Ensure the development and implementation of a harmonized Integrated Coastal
Zone Management (ICZM) Policy and Integrated Ocean Management Policy,
Strategy and Action Plan.
Undertake and support research and training and conservation
3. Mountains Ecosystem
Policy Statement
The government may:
Generate and strengthen knowledge about the ecology and sustainable
management of mountain ecosystems.
Develop and implement strategies and action plans for sustainable management
of mountain ecosystems.
Promote integrated watershed management and alternative livelihood
Adopt appropriate land use planning and watershed management practices for
sustainable development of mountain ecosystem In sanag region
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Ensure all water catchment areas are zoned and managed as protected areas and
free from excision.
4. Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystem
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement an Integrated Land Use Master (Development) Plan
for the grassland.
Promote integrated natural resource management in ASALs.
Ensure application of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in
grassland with a view to harvesting flood and river water.
Promote efficient adaptation measures for productive and sustainable resource
management in the grassland.
Implement the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat desertification and
revitalize the Desertification Trust Fund.
Mainstream dry land issues into all national development plans and policies.
Involve and empower communities in the management of grassland ecosystems.
Policy Statements
The Government may:
5. Land, Soil and Minerals
Ensure implementation of the Constitution and the National Land Policy in a way
that will take into account sustainable conservation and management of the
environment and land resources.
Promote and enhance best practices for optimal and sustainable land use.
Promote sustainable urban and per- urban land uses.
Promote land restoration policies.
Promote high rise building as an efficient land utilization practice.
Promote research on land use in relation to the built environment.
Involve and empower communities in land utilization and management.
6. Biodiversity, Wildlife and Resource
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action
Plan(NBSAP).
Regulate and encourage sustainable utilization and bioprospecting of biological
resources in accordance with international law.
Develop mechanisms to ensure that the benefits arising from access to genetic
resources, including intellectual property rights, traditional knowledge and
technology are shared equitably with communities living in areas where the
genetic material originated.
Develop and implement a strategy to contain, control and mitigate alien and
Invasive species.
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7. Wildlife and Resources

Policy Statements
The Government may:
Protect, conserve and improve the habitats, corridors and dispersal areas of
wildlife.
Provide incentives for investment in sustainable tourism and wildlife
Promote the establishment of transboundary wildlife conservation areas as a basis
for enhancing the conservation of shared wildlife resources
Encourage and support the establishment of private and community based
Maintain all gazette protected areas and reclaim and restore the encroached parks
and reserves for enhanced wildlife conservation.
Strengthen and support wildlife research and monitoring to generate adequate
information for decision making.
Protect endangered wildlife species.
Involve community participation in conservation activities.
8. Livestock
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement an environment-friendly livestock production policy
that takes cognizance of livestock mobility and communal management of
natural resources.
Enforce regulations on waste management in livestock production industry.
Enforce regulations on livestock movement and disease control through
commercially viable production systems
9. Fisheries
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Promote sustainable management and utilization of fishery resources.
Strengthen capacity to carry out fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance.
Promote sustainable aquaculture development.
Strengthen community participation in fisheries resources management,
Protect fish breeding grounds and implement closed seasons regulations where
necessary
10. Trade and Environment
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Mainstream environmental considerations into the National Trade Policy.
Ensure that issues on environment are integrated into international and regional
trade negotiations and domesticate resulting agreements.
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Promote and support capacity building in the field of trade and environment.
Promote and encourage the adaption, uptake and implementation of
international environmental and natural resources stewardship standards.
Promote reduction of negative environmental footprints in production and trade
practices.
11. Tourism
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Provide incentives to encourage eco-tourism industry initiatives aimed at
protecting the environment.
Improve policy implementation and strictly enforce environmental regulation.
Market green tourism products.
Encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable tourism, including
ecotourism and cultural tourism.
Encourage community participation in tourism industry.
12. Industrialization and Environment
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement environmentally-friendly industrialization policy.
Promote and support SMEs and other industries to adopt appropriate
Environmentally sound technologies through provision of appropriate
Incentives and disincentives.
Develop and promote use of strategic environmental assessment in the
industrial development plans, policies and programmers.
Develop capacity and promote environmental education and awareness.
Promote Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) technologies,
Including best available techniques and applications.
13. Chemicals Management
Policy Statements
Government may:
Integrate chemicals management programmer into development plans.
Implement the international process of the Strategic Approach to International
Chemicals Management (SAICM).
Develop and implement a chemicals management policy.
14. Human Settlement
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Integrate demographic issues into environmental management and natural
resources conservation.
Develop and implement an Integrated Housing Policy and Housing Master
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Plan that takes into account environmental considerations.

Develop and enforce integrated land use planning at all levels.
Develop and promote a policy on eco-settlement centers including informal
settlements.
Mainstream environmental considerations in the refugee policy and
legislation.
15. Energy use, efficiency and Conservation
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and promote an integrated national strategy for generation and
Sustainable utilization of renewable energy.
Promote adaptation of the cleaner production concept in all energy production
and consumption activities.
Develop comprehensive nuclear, petroleum and coal energy policies guided by
research and the precautionary principal.
16. Climate Change disaster management
Policy Statement
The Government may:
Develop and implement a comprehensive National Climate Change Policy.
Strengthen capacity for national and county level institutions to support national
climate resilience, low carbon development through integrating climate change
into implementation strategies.
Develop and implement awareness raising strategies and capacity development
on the opportunities for adaptation and mitigation measures as per the climate
change action plan.
Strengthen and enhance early warning and response systems for climate and
disaster risk reduction.
Build and strengthen research capacity on climate change and related

17. Gender Vulnerability and Environment

Policy Statements
The Government may:
Provide incentives to attract the under-represented gender and other
Vulnerable groups into environmental management careers, occupations
Mainstream gender and equity in all sustainable development policies
18. Invasive Alien Species
Policy Statement:
The government may:
Develop a national strategy and action plan for mapping and management of
invasive alien species.
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Set up a framework for research, information exchange and environmental

awareness on invasive alien species.
Involve and empower communities in instituting measures for prevention,
eradication and control of invasive species that have major environmental and
economic impacts.
19. Environmental Quality and health
Policy Statements
The Government May:
Promote Environmental Health Impact Analysis (EHIA) as a component of
EIA for all development projects.
Enhance the provision of occupational health and safety services.
Promote capacity building in the field of health impact analysis
20. Air Quality
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Ensure compliance with air quality standards and strengthen enforcement
capacity.
Promote efficient non-motorized, non-polluting and efficient infrastructure for
mass transport system.
Promote non-polluting modes of transport.
Promote alternative cooking stoves and technologies that are none polluting and
construction of well ventilated houses.
21. Water Sanitation and Solid waste management
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Improve the management and conservation of water supply sources.
Promote technologies for efficient and safe water use, especially in respect to
wastewater use and recycling.
Provide incentives for private sector investment and development of appropriate
water and sanitation technologies and infrastructure for waste management
22. Radiation and Toxic and hazardous substance
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Maintain an inventory of sources, types and quantities of radioactive materials,
periodically monitor status and trends and enhance protection measures.
Strengthen capacities for handling and management of radio-active waste and
ionizing agents.
Ensure that telecommunication equipment and structures conform to the
international radiation standards.
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23. Noise Pollution

Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop a national strategy on noise pollution.
Strengthen capacity and infrastructure to monitor, enforce and regulate noise
24. Environmental Monitoring and assessment
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Develop and implement standardized indicators that will form the basis of
monitoring the status of the environment.
Develop and implement a National Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Programme to monitor the state of the environment.
Encourage reporting environmental status on a balance sheet.
Ensure periodic reporting on county and national status of environment.
25. Institutional Arrangement
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Strengthen the Directorate of Environment in the State Department responsible
for environment to support the Cabinet Secretary in his oversight role in
environmental policy formulation, coordination of intervention activities and to
monitor the implementation in relation to other sectoral policies.
Strengthen the capacity of environmental as the designated national institution
Responsible for the general supervision and coordination in all matters relating to
the environment.
Streamline and strengthen the capacity of environmental institutions at the
national and county levels so as to make them more effective and participatory
26. Funding Mechanisms
Policy Statements
The Government may:
Provide adequate resources for environmental protection and management
through annual budgetary allocation.
Promote participation of individuals, public and private partnership through fiscal
incentives and voluntary agreements pegged on environmental performance
indicators.
Broaden the revenue and funding base to ensure financial sustainability of
environmental management institutions.

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