Somali Environment Protection Alliance Network (SEPAN)

• The deforestation in the Horn of Africa is increasing an alarming rate. Somalis used/use charcoal for cooking. Since the government of Somalia collapsed in 1991, the deforestation increased more than five fold. The reason of this increase is the demand (charcoal) from the Arab Countries, particularly the oil rich Gulf Countries. These countries ignore international environmental laws and continue to buy the charcoal from all territories Somali inhabitants. This is the worse environmental disaster that Somalis ever faced and it will make their country "desert" and barren land. The Somali Environmental Protection Alliance (SEPA) is taking a strong position to defend the environment and the livelihood of the Somali people.

CHARCOAL PREPARATION

• Charcoal packaging for Export.

CHARCOAL PREPARATION

• Thousands of trees are burned every day for export and local consumption.

• Charcoal transportation

CHARCOAL PRODUCTION

• In the year 2000, total charcoal production was estimated to be 112,000 metric tons

• In 2005, the charcoal production (estimate) increase to 150,000 metric tons.

ACTORS

• Saudi Arabia (receives 80% of charcoal exports)• UAE• Merchants and shipping operators• Somali business community• Charcoal transporters• Charcoal makers• Local militias• Traditional clan leaders• Local communities

CHACOAL CONSUMPTION

• Approximately 80% of this charcoal is destined for stoves in the Gulf States, while only 20% is for domestic consumption.

• For more details please visit: http://www1.american.edu/ted/ice/somalia-coal.htm

• Charcoal Transportation.

CHARCOAL TRANSPORTATION

Charcoal Transportation

• Charcoal and Human transportation

• Each lorry/truck carries 100s of burned trees.

Kismayo Charcoal Debate

• There 1000s of sacks at Kismayo Prot worth of $25 million waiting to be exported to the Middle East.

EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION

• Dead livestock

Visit: www.sepan.org

Toxic Waste Dumping

• Somali Coast is used as a toxic waste Dumping.

Health Impact

Somali Piracy

What Can you do to Save our Environment

• Teach others about the importance of the Somali environment and how they can help save trees.

• Promote restoring damaged ecosystems by planting trees on land where trees have been cut down.

• Encourage people to live in a way that doesn't hurt the environment

• Encourage people to establish  parks to protect trees and wild life

• Do research and Know more…• Write or call embassies the countries

that buy Somali charcoal or dump toxic waste or involve over fishing.

If we don’t act!!