On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Range, and Climate Change (MoERCC), in partnership with the Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO), hosted a pivotal meeting at its headquarters in Garowe. This gathering focused on disseminating and implementing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Act while strengthening coordination and collaboration between the Ministry and its partners. Attended by 56 representatives from United Nations agencies, local NGOs, and international organizations operating in Puntland, the event marked a significant step towards sustainable environmental management in the region.
Highlights of the Meeting
The meeting featured comprehensive presentations from the Ministry and active discussions among participants. These interactions culminated in the agreement on several action points aimed at enhancing the implementation of the ESIA Act and fostering better collaboration. Here are the key resolutions:
- Project Screening and Categorization: The MoERCC will distribute project registration forms to all local and international NGOs and UN agencies in Puntland. Organizations will use these forms to submit project details for screening. The projects will be categorized as:
- Category B: Projects requiring a full comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report.
- Category T: Projects requiring a preliminary ESIA report.
- Dissemination of the ESIA Act: The Ministry will circulate the ESIA Act in both English and Somali to all concerned NGOs and UN agencies, ensuring accessibility and compliance.
- Biannual Coordination Meetings: MoERCC will organize two coordination meetings annually to facilitate effective collaboration among partners regarding the implementation of the ESIA Act.
- Online Project Screening Platform: An online platform will be established for UN agencies, local and international organizations, and the private sector to submit their projects. This platform will streamline project screening processes and ensure alignment with the ESIA Act and other legal frameworks in Puntland.
- Registration and Mapping of Organizations: The Ministry will register and map all local and international NGOs conducting environmental and climate change-related projects, fostering better oversight and coordination.
- Alignment with Strategic Plans: All environmental and climate change projects must align with the MoERCC’s strategic plans to ensure coherent and impactful interventions.
- Collaboration on Mandate-Specific Projects: NGOs and UN agencies will work closely with MoERCC on projects falling under its mandate, reinforcing partnership and accountability.
A Call to Action
The successful implementation of the ESIA Act requires the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders. By adhering to these resolutions, Puntland can achieve better environmental governance and sustainable development.
The ESIA Act in both English and Somali can be downloaded using the links below:
Together, we can build a greener and more sustainable Puntland.
