A Leap Forward in Environmental Stewardship: The Achievements of the Ministry of Environment, 2022-2024

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was established in August 2022 as a decisive response to the pressing challenges affecting governance processes and environmental management in DanQaran government. Prior to its formation, the need for an independent body capable of comprehensively addressing environmental and climate issues was evident.

The DanQaran government recognized this necessity, leading to the establishment of the MOECC, which has since become a pivotal institution in strengthening efforts to mitigate environmental concerns and address the impacts of climate change across the nation.

Since its inception, the Ministry under the leadership of Ambassador Khadija Al-Makhzoumi has focused on the protection and management of natural resources, formulating policies and regulations aimed at guiding environmental protection initiatives. Its vision is rooted in effective leadership, collaboration, and good governance, all of which are vital for the sustainable utilization of environmental resources, both for current and future generations. Over the past two years, the MOECC has made significant strides, laying the groundwork for transformative environmental governance and proactive climate action.

The achievements of the Ministry during the past two years are testament to its commitment to enhancing environmental management and combating climate change. In 2022, the MOECC submitted a performance promise for the 2022/2023 period to the Office of the Prime Minister, outlining its ambitious objectives.

Among the notable accomplishments, the Ministry developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan (2023-2028) aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.

In its legislative efforts, the Ministry has successfully prepared and approved vital draft legislation to bolster environmental protection and management. Notably, the establishment of a Meteorological Service and the creation of regulations for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments have been approved by the Council of Ministers, marking significant progress in the legal framework governing environmental issues.

Additionally, the Ministry has initiated a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags, reflecting its commitment to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

The MOECC has also embraced ambitious projects such as the presidential initiative, Somalia Green, which aims to plant 10 million trees across the country. To support this initiative, the Ministry inaugurated a national center for tree planting, fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Ministry has worked diligently to enhance Somalia’s participation in regional and international environmental agreements and initiatives. Engagements with programs such as the Great Green Wall, AFR100, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have positioned Somalia as a proactive participant in global climate discussions.

The preparation of national guides for reducing and adapting to climate change, including the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), underscores the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable development.

In an effort to secure financial resources for environmental projects, the Ministry has taken significant steps to engage with the Green Climate Fund and other international climate finance mechanisms. The installation of air quality monitoring equipment at Mogadishu airport is another achievement, designed to track air quality and address pollution from aircraft emissions.

Collaborative agreements established with governmental entities, agencies, and universities have bolstered the Ministry’s efforts in environmental protection and climate action.

Ambassador Khadija’s Ministry has actively participated in international and regional conferences, including the African Climate Change Conference and the global Climate Change Conference COP27/28, ensuring Somalia’s voice is heard on the international stage. Notably, for the first time, Somalia had a dedicated delegation and office at COP28, which showcased the country’s environmental challenges and sought global partnerships for solutions.

The Ministry’s focus extends beyond legislation and international engagement. It has undertaken significant efforts to disseminate and implement environmental protection laws, alongside comprehensive awareness programs aimed at educating the public about environmental responsibilities.

In a remarkable move to accelerate development plans for addressing environmental and climate challenges, the Ministry successfully hosted the Director of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), leading to commitments for greater cooperation and support.

As it stands, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has effectively laid a strong foundation for achieving a cleaner, greener Somalia. In just over a year, it has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

The hope for upcoming years is to establish direct access to global Climate Finance, enabling Somalia to further its efforts in confronting the challenges posed by climate change and environmental issues. These significant achievements highlight the critical role that the Ministry plays in safeguarding the nation’s environmental heritage for present and future generations.