Developing policy to protect Somalia's maritime sustainability

Policy protection to protect the marine environment

SOMALIA: EUCAP is supporting a process to develop a policy for the protection of the marine environment in the region that can be used by the local authorities to secure that the waters and coasts are used in a sustainable way.

EUCAP will undertake a needs assessment to establish a basis for the work. The assessment will include aspects of the environmental status and challenges connected to Somaliland marine and coastal areas. Furthermore, the adopted policy must be in favour of the population to make it functional.

The coastal waters in the region are abundant in fish and coral reef. Mangrove forests stretch along parts of the coast providing shelter and feeding ground for marine animals. The marine resources have the potential to bring prosperity to the population and could serve as an alternative to traditional activities such as pastoralism and agriculture.

Diversifying the economy is vital, as the effects from climate change and environmental degradation get more severe. Protection of the marine environment is crucial to secure the resources. Ensuring strength of the natural ecosystems and their ability to resist and persist the changes is also an important for the climate adaptation.

Committing local communities

Preparations of the assessment will include mapping existing local policies and laws, as well as international conventions and guidelines, without forgetting resources available, realistic possibilities and various stakeholders’ interests.

During the process, authorities and people living in the coastal areas will be canvassed for information. Once completed, this assessment will be used as a basis to shape the policy, as well as methods to monitor and follow up of the implementation. EUCAP will lead the process of writing the policy and will then plan for implementation and follow up.

The aim is to include mechanisms of transfer of knowledge and expertise from the mission to the authorities. The process is also cross ministerial and includes dialogue to ensure that it is in line with other policy areas.