Eritrea: Commemoration of World Drought and Desertification Day
World Drought and Desertification Day was commemorated at the national level at Embasoira Hotel, Asmara, on 17 June under the theme 'Restore the Land – Unlock the Opportunity.' The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, was attended by experts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Land, Water and Environment, the Forestry and Wildlife Authority, Higher Education Institutions, stakeholders, national associations, and farmers.
In his keynote address, Mr. Semere Amlesom, Director General of Agricultural Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the Eritrean Government's commitment to combating drought and desertification and emphasized the need for collective action to restore degraded land. He further noted that drought and desertification are among the main causes of biodiversity loss, poverty, forced migration, and conflict, and that restoring the land is essential to addressing these issues and reversing their consequences.
The event featured presentations on various topics, including Eritrea's commitment and experience in combating drought, land degradation, and desertification; land use change and its impact on poverty and livelihoods; conservation and sustainable land-use management practices; agroforestry systems for restoring land; environmental impact assessments of agricultural farms; and the role of date palms in restoring degraded land, among other relevant subjects.
The participants, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to address drought and desertification, called on stakeholders to work in partnership to achieve the intended goals. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is essential to accelerate the implementation of sustainable land-use practices and conservation measures.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
'Is this real?' UAE farmer grows massive, organic 4kg mangoes
In the farms of Fujairah, Emirati farmer Saeed Al Maeli has been quietly working on something that has left everyone at Mango Festival in Khorfakkan surprised. Even seasoned cultivators are baffled. He has grown mangoes that weigh nearly 4 kilogrammes. But they're not sweet like the ones found in fruit baskets. Instead, this large fruit, named Malda mango, is slightly tangy and works well for pickles and curries. He sells it for Dh25 and says people come looking for it every year. Saeed grows over 35 varieties of mangoes on his farm. He has hundreds of trees spread across his land. The farm also grows tomatoes, papayas, figs, dragon fruit, and other seasonal fruits. What sets him apart is his ability to grow mangoes through most of the year, something many don't expect to hear about farms in the UAE. 'I started this out of interest, and over time it became a full-time work,' said Saeed, standing near his stall at the festival, where he displayed the heavy Malda mango. 'People stop and ask, 'Is this real?' But it's grown right on our land.' Saeed said the Malda variety came out of years of careful hybrid cultivation, mixing cuttings and seeds from different trees. 'Not everything succeeds,' he said. 'But when it works, the result is something unique. This nearly 4kg mango is one of those outcomes.' The fruit doesn't attract people for its sweetness but for its size, look, and how well it works in traditional dishes. Families buy it to make chutneys, pickles, or mango curry. Some even come just to see it. 'It's not something you find in regular markets,' he said. At the festival, his stall was busy. The crowd included local residents, tourists, and even a few restaurant owners looking for organic produce. Saeed said participating in such events helps him sell directly and build a connection with the buyers. 'They ask questions, they want to know how it's grown, whether it's organic, what we use, it builds trust,' he said. Saeed sells his mangoes at the farm, through a small shop in Fujairah, and during seasonal events like this one. His prices start at Dh15, and some of the most requested mangoes on his farm are Naumi, R2E2, and Kolfi. These are known for their balanced flavour and texture. 'We don't use chemicals,' he added. 'It's all organic. That takes more effort. But I believe it's worth it.' On the farm, Saeed manages both the technical side of things, irrigation, plant care — and the day-to-day sales. He says growing mangoes in the UAE's desert climate has taught him a lot about the land and water. 'You learn to listen to the trees. They show you what they need,' he said. His farming journey hasn't gone unnoticed. Other growers visit him to learn from his methods. 'I'm not doing anything special,' he said. 'I am just trying things out, seeing what grows better here.' Husam Al Meheri, another farmer who took part in the Khorfakkan festival, also grows the Malda variety. His version of the mango is sweeter and slightly smaller than Saeed's. 'One mango is about 3 kilogrammes,' said Husam. 'It's so big that even a family of four finds it hard to finish in one sitting.' Husam has also been farming mangoes for a few years now and said he's learning how different soil and techniques affect the taste. 'Saeed has been doing this longer, and it's good to see what's possible when you focus on quality,' he said. Farmers agree that the interest in UAE-grown mangoes is increasing. And as more people try these home-grown fruits, it's giving local farmers a platform to grow and experiment. For Saeed, it's simple. 'Mango farming is not just about selling fruit,' he said. 'It's about making something with your own hands, something that grows from the land you live on.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Eritrea: Dekemhare Technical School Graduates 139 Students
Dekemhare Technical School today graduated 139 students, including 63 females, who completed two years of theoretical and practical training in auto mechanics, electricity, metal and woodwork, and construction. Mr. Wuhab Mohammed-Ali, Director of the school, congratulated the students and urged them to further enhance their skills through practical experience in the workplace. Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Education at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the Government of Eritrea's significant investment in education and called on the youth to take full advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. Mr. Yemane Abera, Administrator of Dekemhare Sub-zone, also congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to serve the country and people who provided them with educational opportunities. Established in 1999, Dekemhare Technical School has so far graduated 3,433 students in diploma programs and 3,846 in certificate programs. In a related development, the Indomaso Award was presented to 17 outstanding students in the Adi-Keih Sub-zone who scored 80 and above in the eighth-grade national examination. The awards were given during a graduation ceremony for 328 youths who completed vocational training programs ranging from one to four months. The training covered areas including motor maintenance, plumbing, beauty salon services, and social science. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Monetary Support to Families of Martyrs
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the Ghinda sub-zone reported that 294 thousand Nakfa, contributed by Government workers in the sub-zone, was distributed to 49 families of martyrs, with each family receiving 6 thousand Nakfa. The branch also stated that 180 thousand Nakfa, contributed by Diaspora nationals, was distributed to 22 families, and 50 families were rehabilitated with livestock. In the same vein, members of the Northern Red Sea Region Administration, the Ministry of Marine Resources, the Air Force, and the Massawa Municipality extended financial support to three families of martyrs, each receiving 6 thousand Nakfa. Reports indicate that over the past six months, approximately 3 million Nakfa has been disbursed to families of martyrs in the Ghinda sub-zone. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
