Somaliland?s first environmental challenge since its independence from the rest of Somalia is cutting down trees in the rural areas and use for domestic energy without replacement. This is also known as deforestation but people?s attention to save trees left is already busy with tribalism and politics.

Early this month, The European Union (EU) is mobilizing funds for renewable energy projects which can lead to reduction of firewood and charcoal use. Currently, most of the projects implemented in Somaliland pay little attention to environmental problems that result more catastrophic ends not limited to an unprecedented floods but also cause severe droughts that threaten the lives of people and livestock in many part of the country.

 However, Somaliland can utilize this opportunity in many different ways. Firstly, presence of clean energy projects will encourage the government and other youth organizations working on environmental protection to raise awareness against massive deforestation. Environmental-friendly networks like Geed Beer Rajo Beer ?Plant a Tree, Plant Hope.? And many others will strengthen their attempts to see a green Somaliland. Secondly, these clean energy projects will build the capacity of Somaliland youth to use their inherent talents and come up with innovative projects that boost renewable energy consumption in Somaliland.

Even though the sustainability of these projects is not known, both urban and rural communities will hugely take advantage of its various dimensions and targets. For instance, more and more people will be very sensitive to environmental destruction and forest degradation. The UN and international organizations working on environmental protection can still support Somaliland to develop new ways to combat environmentally-damaging practices on the ground.