Combating land degradation integral part of Eritrea’s development strategy: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Osman Saleh said that combating land degradation is an essential component of Eritrea’s strategy to alleviate poverty and ensure food security.

Asmara, 21 September 2011 – Foreign Minister Osman Saleh said that combating land degradation is an essential component of Eritrea’s strategy to alleviate poverty and ensure food security.

He made the statement on September 20 at UN headquarters in New York City while addressing a conference on land degradation, desert expansion and drought. Mr. Osman expressed Eritrea’s conviction that the aforementioned task should be carried out on the basis of active community participation.

Pointing out that Eritrea has designated 200 thousand hectares of reserve land, constructed numerous terraces and planted more than 90 million tree seedlings over the past couple of years, the Foreign Minister elaborated that about 300 micro-dams are making vital contribution in soil and water conservation, development of irrigation farming and ensuring potable water supply.  

Mr. Osman stressed the need for broad cooperation at the international and regional level, as well as every country. To this end, Eritrea is prepared to fulfill its due role, he added.