On December 26, 2023, the Forestry and Wildlife Authority of Eritrea emphasized the vital role of community involvement in the development and preservation of forestry and wildlife resources.This was highlighted during a review meeting that focused on the activities and achievements in 2023. A significant achievement in 2023 was the planting of over 5.2 million tree seedlings, sourced from 37 nurseries, with the active participation of the communities, members of the Defense Forces and other groups.
The Forestry and Wildlife Authority on December 26, 2023, emphasized the vital role of the community of Eritrea in the development and preservation of forestry and wildlife resources. A significant achievement in 2023 was the planting of over 5.2 million tree seedlings, sourced from 37 nurseries, with the active participation of the communities, members of the Defense Forces and other groups. Key points highlighted during the review meeting include: the activities and achievements in 2023, an analysis of the causes of deforestation and the impact of wildfires.
“Sustainable use of the ecosystems is more important now than ever before because we are losing these trees which are efficacious, trees which are healing us, natural remedies or natural sickness etc, due to industrialization, chaco and agriculture”.
Roswell Vongo, President of traditional health practitioners association – Zambia
Eritrea, considered as one of the least developed countries in Africa, aims to enhance wildlife habitats, particularly in designated reserve areas across the country.The preservation of wildlife and the forest is seen as a factor for economic growth.In the country, the construction of about 7,000 hectares of terraces and the renovation of over 4,480 hectares were reported, alongside the construction and renovation of water diversion schemes, totaling more than 103 thousand cubic meters.
“We have been walking around promoting indigenous knowledge, looking back from where we have come from as the solution for the future”.
Muso day kapena , CEO of Namfumu Conservation Trust – Zambia
The Ethiopian-Eritrea war in 1998-2000 severely hurt Eritrea’s economy. GDP growth fell to zero in 1999 and to -12.1% in 2000. The population of the country mostly depends on farming as a source of living. People used to convert the forestlands to practice agriculture, extract firewood and construction materials for domestic and commercial purposes, and feed their livestock in the forest. These unplanned and non-organised practices have destroyed a great deal of forest cover and inflicted heavy damage to the ecosystems. The Defense Forces is praised for their significant role in combating deforestation, preserving reserved lands, developing nurseries, and contributing to water and soil conservation initiatives. The country’s strategic plan for 2024 aimed at further strengthening these environmental initiatives