Environmental Governance in Somalilandby Mohamed Rashid | 16-07-2018 23:43 |
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![]() According to the Wikipedia, ?Environmental governance is a concept in political ecology and environmental policy that advocates sustainability (sustainable development) as the supreme consideration for managing all human activities—political, social and economic.? In fact, environmental governance is one of the most important tools which help us pay attention to human activities against the sustainability of the planet with its water, air and vegetation. In Somaliland, huge number of people living in the urban and rural areas threatens the environment by resealing pollutants into the environment and cut down large trees for energy without replacing them. However, Somaliland has success stories on establishing excellent binding laws and policies to ensure environmental governance is addressed and also there are some weaknesses. To being with, Somaliland has a comprehensive Environmental Law which consists of National Environment Research and Disaster-preparedness (NERAD) Agency Law which explains key environmental research priorities without leaving disaster preparedness behind; Law on the Prevention of Deforestation & Desertification which highlights actions taken against deforestation and desertification in the country; Ministerial Programme on marine reserves and conservation which puts more emphasis marine vegetation and animal living below water. Not only these, nut we have Wildlife and Forest Conservation Laws which play excellent role in protecting the wildlife and encourage forest safeguarding. Moreover, youth-led initiatives like (Plant Hope, Plant Tree) and many other local ones have contributed to the overall environmental governance activities as do awareness raising activities and community outreach. However, the presence of Somaliland Environmental Policy has also shaped national activities aimed at lowering the threats towards the environment. On the other hand, there are some potential challenges including the absence of cooperation and networking between local and national levels. This causes problem because all policy priorities are not addressed and hence achievements cannot be measured. Due to lack of financial projection to deliver strategic targets of environmental protection and sustainability and finally most of environmental protection interventions are not in line with the SDGs and Goal 15. In conclusion, environmental governance is very broad when relating it to environmental sustainability in the world and in Somaliland but needs more careful policy planning and action. |