The environmental project, which started in 2014, was financed with development cooperation funds, donations and diaspora membership fees, as well as funds from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the international organization Trocaire org.
Planting trees and testing species. Increasing environmental awareness. Aiming for an environmentally more sustainable local government. New ideas for charcoal sellers.
Guriel and Dhusamareeb in Galmudug region, El-Adde in Gedo region and Afmadow in Jubaland region.
Beneficiaries include families in the project areas, farmers, women, charcoal producers and sellers, local governments, students, teachers and volunteers. In the long run many communities in the dry areas in Somalia and Horn of Africa will benefit from improved state of the environment and environment protection know-how.
The project started in 2014. The current project phase of 2019–2022 will be the final phase of the project. The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs development cooperation funds, donations and membership fees.
I wish that the project would expand to several locations, so more people could gain from its benefits.”
With who?
Duration: 21 March 2023 – 20 September 2023
Location: Gedo, Jubaland State, Somalia
🎯 Overall Outcome
Sustainable and resilient livelihoods for local communities, supported by restored and diversified vegetation cover.
✅ Key Outputs Achieved
Tree nursery renovated: 1
Environmental awareness campaigns conducted: 6
Participants reached: 145 (73 male, 72 female)
Seedlings distributed to target beneficiaries: 1,750
Male: 1,200 | Female: 550
Nursery equipped: tools & supplies (hoes, wheelbarrow, spades, plastic pots, water tank, etc.)
Sanitation improved: 1 pit latrine constructed
📚 Background & Objectives
Tackle desertification by planting durable tree species, raising environmental awareness, and promoting good governance.
Aim to improve life for 200,000 people suffering from drought, land degradation, and food insecurity.
Establishment of an environmental center in Gedo , producing ~2,000 new trees annually, distributed to public and private spaces.
🌍 Somalia’s Environmental Context
Severe degradation since 1991 due to deforestation, charcoal burning, illegal hunting, and smuggling.
Intensified by climate change: recurring droughts, floods, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods.
📢 Awareness Campaign Highlights
Ran from March–August 2023 (2–3 times per month).
Key messages:
Need for laws to protect the environment.
Call for an Environmental Ministry to coordinate nationwide action.
Support for vulnerable groups (women, children, IDPs, low-income families).
Acknowledgement of the need to continue nurseries and tree planting beyond the pilot phase.
Urged Trocaire to continue supporting the project.
📝 Recommendations for Future Action
1. Broaden community mobilization and awareness on conservation.
2. Include environmental education in school curricula.
3. Enact and enforce laws on tree protection, overgrazing, hunting, and smuggling.
4. Support backward farming, modern irrigation, and water harvesting.
5. Establish an Environmental Cluster for advocacy.
6. Government to create research centers and promote biodegradable materials
