Statement by the Delegation of Eritrea at 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
Nairobi, Kenya
Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
All Protocols Observed,
At the outset, my delegation conveys its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Kenya for warmly hosting this Assembly, and to UNEP and the UNEA-7 Bureau for their committed leadership.
Mr. President,
Eritrea is situated in a region where the climate crisis is not a distant possibility but a daily reality. We continue to endure recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, land degradation, and steadily rising temperatures. Yet, despite the well-documented vulnerabilities of our region and the developing world more broadly, the global response remains far below expectation. Climate-finance pledges are unfulfilled; technology transfer is limited; and the international environmental architecture remains fragmented, duplicative, and difficult for least developed countries to access. This situation is neither sustainable nor just.
Mr. President,
In the face of these constraints, Eritrea has chosen a path grounded in determination and self-reliance. We continue to combat environmental degradation through domestic capacities and community-driven action. One of our most transformative national undertakings has been the construction of hundreds of dams across the country; efforts that have strengthened drought resilience, expanded irrigated agriculture, and secured drinking water for rural communities.
These investments have become lifelines for villages repeatedly affected by climate shocks.
Our long-standing popular mobilization campaigns; particularly the active participation of youth and students, have advanced soil and water conservation, afforestation, and reforestation, contributing meaningfully to ecosystem recovery and biodiversity protection.
Mr. President,
Eritrea is also a major Red Sea nation, with a long coastline and more than 350 islands, including the vast Dahlak Archipelago of over 200 islands. These islands, known for rich marine biodiversity, pristine coral reefs, and centuries-old pearl fisheries, extend our environmental responsibilities beyond the land to the marine realm.
Today, our seas and islands face increasing pressure from coral bleaching, pollution, and climate impacts. In response, Eritrea is:
- Expanding marine and island protected areas;
- Strengthening coastal and island community surveillance to deter illegal activities;
- Restoring coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal vegetation as natural climate buffers;
- Advancing a sustainable Blue Economy strategy that safeguards marine resources while supporting local livelihoods.
These measures reflect our conviction that a healthy marine environment is central to the resilience and prosperity of coastal and island communities.
Mr. President,
Eritrea is further accelerating investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy. However, for many least developed countries, the renewable-energy transition requires substantial upfront capital and technical expertise. We therefore reiterate the urgent need for accessible, predictable, and timely climate finance delivered without burdensome bureaucratic conditions.
In closing, my delegation welcomes the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution. We trust it will strengthen the global science-policy interface and catalyze more decisive action.
We commend the outgoing Presidency for its stewardship and extend our full support to the incoming one.
I Thank you.