The inclusion of mangroves in the Green Somalia Initiative
Planting 10 million trees in Somalia
Somalia’s President H.E. Dr. Hassan Sheik Mahmoud, on his second term in office, has recently announced a new initiative called “Green Somalia,” which aims to plant 10 million trees.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability in Somalia.
The initiative has been met with great enthusiasm from the Somali people, who are eager to restore their country’s natural beauty.
But one important component is missing: the inclusion of mangroves.
Mangroves
Mangroves are tropical species of trees or shrubs that have adapted to live in coastal regions. They grow on loose, wet soil that is periodically flooded by salty seawater during high tides.
There are about 54 species of mangroves in the world, and in Somalia we have six mangrove species (Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops somalensis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia alba, and Xylocarpus obovatus; FAO-SWALIM, 2010).
Most of the mangroves in Somalia are found along the southwest coast and on the northern coast behind sand spits and along the Gulf of Aden.
What is so special about mangroves?
Mangroves are an important part of the global ecosystem, providing a variety of benefits to both humans and the environment.
They are a unique type of coastal wetland that is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Mangroves are incredibly resilient and can survive in harsh conditions such as high salinity, extreme temperatures, and strong winds.
Mangroves are important for a variety of reasons. They provide habitat for a variety of species, including fish, birds, and other wildlife.
They also act as a buffer against storms and floods, protecting coastal communities from the damaging effects of extreme weather.
Additionally, mangroves help to reduce erosion and improve water quality by trapping sediment and filtering pollutants.
Mangroves also play an important role in carbon sequestration. They are able to store large amounts of carbon in their roots and soil, helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is especially important in the fight against climate change.
For all of these reasons, it is important to give more attention to mangroves.
How can we include mangroves in the green Somalia initiative?
The inclusion of mangroves in the Green Somalia Initiative will be an important step in restoring the country’s environment and combating climate change, but they are not as easy to plant as other trees because mangroves grow only in specific areas.
Here are some ways to include mangroves in the Green Somalia Initiative:
Mangrove planting should be done collaboratively by government especially ministry of environment and climate change and ministry of fisheries and blue economy, nongovernmental organizations, and the community. This could include providing financial incentives for planting or replanting, providing technical assistance to local communities, and supporting research into mangrove restoration techniques.
Government and NGOs should also work together to promote public awareness of the importance of mangroves and the threats they face. This could include educational campaigns, public events, and media outreach.
Lastly, and most important, the government should create and implement policies that protect mangroves. This could include creating protected areas, regulating development in mangrove areas, and enforcing laws that prohibit the destruction of mangroves.
Conclusion
Mangroves are an important part of the global ecosystem, providing a variety of benefits to both humans and the environment.
By including mangroves in the Green Somalia Initiative, it can help to protect and preserve the Somali environment and can also help to ensure the success of the Green Somalia Initiative.
