no. 36 saturday, october 10, 2020 pages 6 moa issued...

No. 36 Saturday, October 10, 2020 Pages 6

Speci

al Ed

ition

Seven patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out on October 8 at Quarantine Centers in Shilao (5), Adibara (1) in Gash Barka Region; and, the Nyala Hotel (1) in Asmara in the Central Region.

All the patients are nationals who returned from Sudan and Ethiopia recently. The patient in Asmara is one of those quarantined on arrival from Ethiopia with a Chartered Flight two weeks ago.

On the other hand, six patients who were receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka Region have recovered fully and have been released from these facilities.

The total number of recovered patients to-date accordingly stands at 364.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has risen to 405.

Ministry of HealthAsmara

8 October 2020

The Ministry of Agriculture issued yesterday, 09 October, an Advisory Note on FAO forecast of potential locust infestation in October-December originating from neighboring countries.

Pointing out that the desert locust situation continues to deteriorate in neighboring countries, the Ministry of Agriculture called on administrations, EDF units, and offices of the Ministry of

The Ministry of Agriculture branch in Teseney sub-zone, Gash Barka Region, stated that crops in the locality are in promising condition thanks to this year’s good rainy season and commendable farming activities.

The head of the agriculture branch, Mr. Berhane Asmelash, said that most of the crops and sesame being cultivated in13,779 hectares of farmland have reached near reaping stage.

Mr. Idris Ahmed, head of economic affairs of Gash Barka Region on his part pointed out that strong effort has been exerted to increase agricultural production and productivity in the region and that over 1500 hectares have been distributed to farmers this season.

Nothing that no sign of desert locust swarm invasion is detected in Teseney sub-zone, Mr. Idris said that as precaution measures training was organized for 300 farmers and members of EDF units and anti-pest drags and spraying materials are ready in case of pest infestation and that routine follow up is being conducted.in the sub zone.

Nationals inside the country and abroad extended financial support to disadvantaged families in the Central Region.

Accordingly, over 230 thousand Nakfa was extended to 460 disadvantaged families each 500 Nakfa in Adi-Segdo administrative area, Paradizo sub-zone and nationals residing in the US extended 1,060 Nakfa each to 60 disadvantaged families in Godaif sub-zone.

Similarly, in Berik sub-zone 331,500 Nakfa was extended to 595 disadvantaged families in Tseazega, and 541 thousand Nakfa was distributed to 578 disadvantaged families in Weki-Duba administrative area.

Likewise, in Adi Bidel, over 198 thousand Nakfa was distributed to 171 disadvantaged families in the area.

Effort is being made to introduce affordable and easy to build top bar hives in Senafe sub-zone.

Speaking to Erina, chairman of bee farmers’ association in Senafe sub-zone Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman indicated that the association is exerting strong effort to boost bee farming activities, reminded that pesticides being sprayed in their areas is negatively affecting vegetation and bee farming activities.

Pointing out that 18 of the 24 administrative areas of Senafe sub-zone are conducive for bee farming activities, Mr. Ismael Mohammed-Nur secretary of the association on his part said that the sub zone has potential to accommodate about 8 thousand 800 swarms of bees although only several hundreds of them are put in place.

Mr. Ismael further said that the association is organizing awareness raising campaigns on the advantages of introducing top bar hives.

Senafe bee farmers’ association that was established in 2015 has about 247 traditional hives, 64 top bar hives and 650 modern hives totaling 964 beehives.

MOA Issued AdvIsOry NOte ON pOteNtIAl lOcust INfestAtION

INtrOductION Of tOp bAr hIves IN seNAfe steppINg up

ANNOuNceMeNt frOM the MINIstry Of heAlth

crOps IN teseNey IN gOOd cONdItION

suppOrt tO dIsAdvANtAged fAMIlIes cONtINues

Agriculture to stay alert and prepare for any potential locust infestation.

The Ministry of Agriculture further stated that it had managed to fully control locust infestations that stretched over 2,500 hectares of land throughout the country in August and September by marshalling requisite equipment and resources.

Intensive control operations

are in progress in combating desert swarms breeding in over 3 thousand hectares, the Ministry added.

The National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students in the Southern Red Sea Region contributed financial support to 15 families of martyrs.

Noting that supporting martyrs’ families should be the duty of every citizen, Mr. Osman Abdelkader, head of the Union branch in the Southern Red Sea Region said that the branch organization has assumed the responsibility of assisting 15 families of martyrs for one year.

Mr. Abdelkader also said that members of the branch organization have contributed from their monthly salary and will extend 500 Nakfa a month to each family.

According to reports, it is the third straight year for the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students branch in the Southern Red Sea Region to assume responsibility towards supporting martyrs’ families in the region.

fINANcIAl suppOrt tO fAMIlIes Of

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Aida Johar

2 No. 36Eritrea Profile, Saturday, October 10, 2020

Billion Temesghen

In previous editions of #UnderstandingEritrea we have seen that the water at the Logo Dam has been used as potable water and to irrigate small scale commercial farms, thereby improving the living standards of the communities in seven villages surrounding the dam.

In this edition, we will look at efforts being made to generate

Electricity and Youth Empowerment: Eritrea’s future

Renewable Energy Supply Strategy

and supply solar energy to be used in modern farming, potable water distribution and households in villages, which is one of the goals of the Logo Developmental Pilot Project. The power plant also serves training centers, agricultural laboratories and a myriad of workshops, which all require adequate provision of energy.

Mr. Aklilu Teklemariam, who is in charge of E-Tech (a computer assembly plant which also oversees solar energy plants), said in 2017 renewable energy was introduced at a site near the Logo Dam, which was then under construction. Mr. Aklilu added that renewable energy, especially solar energy, was back then a novel technology to Eritreans, and, therefore, they had to learn how to install big solar energy plants to generate sufficient power to supply energy to many villages and farms. Logo Solar Farm, just like other farms around the country, set out to first serve as a learning site before it became the service providing plant that it is today.

In 2017, the work on the solar farms started with few engineers including graduates of the

Eritrean Institute of Technology (EIT) and other professionals from abroad. Soon after, the job started to be exclusively done by Eritrean experts.

Mr. Aklilu said that the government’s fundamental strategy for national development, which is anchored in the principle of self-reliance, emphasizes youth empowerment through training and professional development. Taking this as a guideline, E-Tech assisted young professionals and students develop their knowledge and skills of renewable energy. It supervised the work at the power plants to ensure that the goals outlined– the provision of sustainable and renewable energy as well as empowering the youth -- were met. Sustainability of

the empowerment of the youth is being ensured by assigning professionals who have gone through the training program at the beginning and gained experience to be instructors of subsequent cohorts, fresh graduates from colleges and vocational training centers.

Editor’s Note: Understanding Eritrea is a series of articles that sheds light on the development path, anchored on the preservation and utilization of soil and water resources that Eritrea is following.

Mr. Aklilu Teklemariam

Where there are young people there is passion. For this reason, every new round of young students and professionals who come to work at the project tend to come up with new ideas and new ways to improve the plant

and the atmosphere at the work place. They are eager to do better than their counterparts in the past. “This is what Eritrea needs,” said Mr. Aklilu, admiring the young professionals who work at the project.

In 2017, it took six months to set

up a two-megawatt solar energy plant, which now takes only five weeks, and this has become the standard. The Logo Solar Farm generates four megawatts of renewable energy, half of which is used in the areas surrounding the project site while the rest is channeled to the national grid. Mr. Alem Berhe, director of Adi Halo’s Power Station, said the station has been upgraded to meet the increase in demand of power supply. He added that the installation of bigger solar farms near Misilam Dam is expected to boost the supply of renewable energy in the country.

Mr. Alem and Mr. Akilu said the Logo and Misilam solar power plants have served, above all, as great centers of learning and professional development where thousands of young Eritreans have been able to refine their skills in the field. They both are excited about the prospects of these young Eritrean professionals as the country marches further in its development endeavors.


By: Dr. Fikrejesus Amahazion

Several weeks ago, the United Nations (UN) gathered for its annual general assembly meeting– virtually. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, national leaders did not travel to the UN, located in New York, to deliver their addresses, instead doing so via prerecorded video messages. As well, most of the usual events and proceedings related to the annual gathering were held virtually. In addition to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread economic disruption, this is a unique year for the global organization: 2020 marks 75 years since it was formed. This important occasion is an ideal time and useful opportunity to take a closer look at the UN. In the last edition of Eritrea Profile (published Wednesday 07 October), I reviewed the UN’s general history, briefly noting some of its key achievements and challenges. Here, I turn to focus on the UN’s historic relations with Eritrea. Even though Eritrea is a young state – one of

The United Nations at 75 (Part 2): Eritrea and the United Nations

the youngest in the world – its history with the UN is actually quite long. And while the UN espouses many noble values, ideals, and principles, its historic relationship with and treatment of Eritrea have been problematic and fraught with injustice.

In the immediate post-WW2 period, the UN overlooked Eritreans’ calls for independence. Contrary to principles recognized by the UN, and unlike the other Italian colonies that received independence at the end of World War II (i.e., Libya and Somalia [Italian Somaliland]), Eritreans’ inviolable and inalienable right to self-determination was denied. After a lengthy international process seeking to develop an “appropriate” solution to the Eritrea question, on 2 December 1950, United Nations Resolution 390 (V), was passed by the UN General Assembly. Resolution 390(V), which was backed and sponsored by the US, extinguished Eritreans’ hopes and aspirations for independence, federating Eritrea with Ethiopia

as “an autonomous unit...under the sovereignty of the Ethiopian Crown.”

However, Ethiopia, an absolute monarchy ruled by Emperor Haile Selassie, viewed the federal structure with disdain and contempt. In November 1962, after years of steadily erasing the federation and subjecting Eritreans to repression, violence, and persecution, the imperial regime dissolved the Eritrean parliament under force of arms and annexed Eritrea, proclaiming it as the empire’s fourteenth province. Throughout this period, the UN and the international community remained silent and failed to muster a response. This was despite the fact that Eritrea had been guaranteed a review of its case by the UN if Ethiopia violated the international resolution. The UN also could not claim ignorance since many Eritrean political leaders and activists, on numerous occasions, appealed and petitioned to the organization in protest of Ethiopia’s actions.

Subsequently, over a period of several decades, the UN continuously refused to hear Eritreans’ calls for self-determination and protection. In fact, not once throughout the long period – from 1950 to 1991 – did Eritrea, the scene of Africa’s longest war, and victim of some of the grossest violations of human rights, figure on the agenda of the UN. In 1981, ten years before Eritrea would eventually gain independence, the International Commission of Jurists stated that:

“Of all the people who, since the Second World War, have been the victims of Great Power rivalries and ambitions, perhaps the one with the greatest claim for consideration is the people of Eritrea. Nevertheless, no nation has yet been willing to raise the issue of the rights of this people in the United Nations. The truth is that the ‘Eritrean question’ is a source of embarrassment both to the UN itself and to almost all ‘interested parties’”.

Nonetheless, in 1991, Eritrea was able to bring about what

to many for so long seemed highly unlikely, if not essentially impossible: the defeat of Africa’s largest, best-equipped army and the achievement of independence. After holding an internationally-monitored referendum two years later – with 99.81percent of Eritreans voting for independence from Ethiopia – the country formally announced its independence. Eritrea was finally admitted to the UN as its 182nd member by General Assembly Resolution 47/230 of 28 May1993. Several months later, on 30 September, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki addressed the 48th Session of the General Assembly. In a memorable speech, he proudly shared how the Eritrean people remained strong despite their struggle being ignored:

“[The years of] deafening silence pained our people. It also gave a free hand to the aggressors, thereby prolonging our suffering and increasing the sacrifices we had to make. But it neither shook our resolve nor undermined our belief in the justness of our cause and the inevitability of our victory. As an Eritrean proverb says: ‘The rod of truth may become thinner but it cannot be broken.’ Indeed, justice has finally prevailed. This is a source of hope and happiness not only for the Eritrean people, but for all those who cherish justice and peace.”

However, it was not long before the UN seemed to return to old form. Although Eritrea and Ethiopia had maintained generally strong and cordial relations after Eritrea’s independence, things would soon considerably deteriorate, and between May 1998 and June 2000 the two fought the largest and deadliest conventional war in contemporary African history. After the failure of several efforts by the international community to mediate an end to the conflict, the two countries signed the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities in Algiers in June 2000. Months later, in December 2000, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and PM Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia signed the Algiers Peace Agreement. Inter-alia, the agreements established

an independent and impartial Boundary Commission to delimit and demarcate the border based on pertinent colonial treaties (from the years 1900, 1902, and 1908) and applicable international law.

After a lengthy litigation process lasting 14 months, the Eritrea Ethiopia Boundary Commission rendered its “final and binding” delimitation decision on 13 April 2002 at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. While Eritrea accepted the decision hoping that the final determination of the border would open doors for lasting peace and development between the two countries and the region as a whole, Ethiopia essentially rejected it and sought an alternative mechanism to reopen the process. The UN, as one of the witnesses and guarantors of the agreement, completely failed to shoulder its legal and moral responsibility to ensure that Ethiopia comply with the decision. For years, it stood idly by as sovereign Eritrean territories remained under an illegal military occupation.

Finally, of course, in December 2009 and December 2011, the UN Security Council adopted resolutions imposing a series of punishing sanctions on Eritrea, despite the lack of any solid evidence for the claims and allegations raised. The measures were biased, unjustified, and not rooted in a genuine concern for international peace and security. Instead, they were engineered by previous US Administrations in order to punish Eritrea for: a) refusing to yield its position and the legal course on the EEBC ruling, thus thwarting a key imperative for the former US administration’s “regional enforcer” and proxy, Ethiopia, and b) for Eritrea’s open and candid criticisms of flawed US policies in the Horn of Africa. For nearly a decade, far long after the alleged pretexts for their original imposition were clearly shown to be nonexistent, the unjust sanctions were maintained. Throughout, they were a great impediment to Eritrea’s nation-building and development efforts and also had a negative impact on peace and cooperation in the region.

The UN refused to raise its voice in the defense of a people whose future it had unjustly decided and whom it had pledged to protect.

Disclaimer: articles published in this column do not reflect the stance or opinion of Eritrea Profile


Simon Weldemichael

The United Nations has warned that the Earth’s biodiversity is declining at “an unprecedented rate” at a virtual summit meeting held on 30 September. Over one million species have been reported to be at risk of extinction, two billion hectares of land is currently degraaded, and half of the global coral reefs have been damaged by human activity.

Biological diversity is defined in article 2 of the Convention on Biodiversity as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including, among others, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part: this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.” Biodiversity is essential to sustaining life by providing critical ecosystem services such as air purification, flood and drought mitigation, soil fertility and climate regulation. These services are indispensable to achieving human well-being and sustainable development. Biodiversity plays a critical role in the health of human beings by providing clean air, fresh water, medicines and nourishing food. It has impacted the economic, social, political and cultural life of humankind. Despite its importance, however, it is being lost globally at an accelerating rate.

The status of human health is determined by social, economic, behavioral and environmental factors. Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The continued decline of biodiversity is reducing the ability of ecosystems to provide essential life-sustaining services, leading to negative outcomes for people’s health and their well-being. The loss of biodiversity,

Biodiversity: A Barricade from Novel Diseases

the degradation of the ecosystem and the prevalence of pandemics are common threats to the wellbeing of the global population.

The wellbeing and security of human beings ultimately depend on a well-functioning ecosystem that provides elements essential to human health. The health of the human population is determined, to a large extent, by environmental determinants of health. Environmental determinants of health such as air quality, healthy environment and food and water security are interrelated and adversely affected by the deterioration of the ecosystem. The impacts of climate change, pollution, deforestation and natural disasters on human health are clear. Food, whose primary purpose is to provide nourishment and health, is today turned into one of the biggest causes of health problems. A large segment of humanity is suffering from obesity, diabetes, cancer and many other diseases caused by the food people eat.

Our world is being shaken by the

coronavirus pandemic, which has effectively challenged global health security and poses a significant threat to the global security, economic stability and development. It is becoming increasingly vulnerable to infectious diseases, creating a serious threat that requires collective commitment to manage. Global commitment to preserving biodiversity is one way of enhancing global defenses against potential pandemics. The WHO Constitution states that the “health of all people is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States. The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all.”

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was presented at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, entered into force in December 1993. It is an international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity and the equitable

sharing of the benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. The Convention intended to address all threats to biodiversity and the ecosystem through scientific assessments, the development of tools, incentives and processes, the transfer of technologies and good practices and the full and active involvement of relevant stakeholders.

Eritrea ratified the Convention on Biodiversity on 9 September 1995 and acceded formally on

continued on page 6

21 March 1996. As part of the commitment to conserve and enhance biodiversity, Eritrea has quickly prepared and adopted the National Environmental Management Plan in 1995 to be followed by various rules, guidelines and proclamations.

Eritrea is endowed with rich biodiversity and abundance of resources. It has about 600 bird, 136 mammal, 90 reptile and 19 amphibian species. Eritrea’s coastal, marine and island zone are home to diverse fauna and flora. Nearly 500 fishes and 44 genera of hard corals have been recorded. The climatic and geographic variations of the country create favorable conditions for the growth of different types of crops.

To date, various interventions have been made by the government to protect and improve the natural environment. Positive initiatives, including rural electrification, introduction of renewable energy, afforestation and reforestation programs, soil and water conservation techniques and dissemination of improved stoves have helped to heal the wounds of the natural environment. Realizing the current status, threats and trends of biodiversity in Eritrea, the government aims to “…ensure that by 2040 the state of the natural environment in Eritrea is stable and capable of ensuring people’s future well-being.” Eritrea has thus joined the race to make the world a better place.

As there is no duty bigger than to save the environment’s beauty, the conservation of biodiversity should be put at the top of strategies of national and global security. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals which aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt loss of biodiversity. Our world will continue as a life supporting planet only when we treat the natural resources as assets which must be turned over to the next generation.

The global defense against the existential threat of the COVID-19 pandemic can only be enhanced by multilateral cooperation. Like many other countries, Eritrea has been calling for the reform of international organizations to be able to address challenges like the pandemic adequately. In his recent address to the 75th UN General Assembly, Eritrea’s foreign minister, Mr. Osman Saleh, said: “The Pandemic has starkly exposed the structural flaws and deficiencies of the prevailing precarious economic and security global order... Indeed, in a rather perverted sense, the pandemic constitutes a wake-up call.”


VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT VA/02/2020

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Asmara invites qualified applicants (Eritrean) for the following vacant post: Job Code Title: Common Services Associate Classified Grade: G7 Duty Station: Asmara

Organizational Context The Common Services Associate will work under the overall guidance of UN Country Team (UNCT), through the Chair of the Operations Management Team (OMT) and the direct day-to-day supervision of the UNDP Operations Manager. The incumbent is responsible for managing UN common premises and services including financial management.

The CSA will promote a client-oriented approach consistent with UN/UNDP rules and regulations and work in close collaboration with the OMT and UN Coordination Officer and all operations personnel in all UN Agencies in Eritrea to implement common services-related programmes, exchange information and ensure timely delivery of services to various clients. Summary of key functions:

Ensure management of cost-effective common services and 1. implements the UNCT-approved activities. Contribute to the efficient management of financial resource, 2. overseeing common services, including asset management.Oversee outsourced common services and promote excellent client 3. relationships and manage networks.Facilitate information, communication and knowledge 4. management and sharing and documentation of good practices in common services and premises, where necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: University Degree in social science, economics, business administration (finance, accounting, Marketing) is essential. Secondary Education with specialized training in procurement would be desirable.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in facilities maintenance/management is required at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of automated procurement systems, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language: Fluency in the English language

Other considerations: For more details please collect the Terms of Reference from the UNDP Reception Desk. Interested applicants should submit duly filled P11 form (available at the UNDP Reception Desk, UN Office in Asmara) and a detailed CV with supporting documents. Copy of document indicating exemption from/completion of national service should be sent to UNDP Reception Desk, and UN offices, Asmara, Eritrea.

UNDP will contact those who are considered Potential candidates. Closing date for the application is 10 days from the date of announcement.“UNDP is an equal opportunity employer which strives to achieve overall balance in its staffing patterns”

United NationsCORE VALUES: INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM, RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT VA/02/2020

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Asmara invites qualified applicants (Eritrean) for the following vacant post:

Job Code Title: Associate Development Coordination Officer, Data Management and Results Monitoring/Reporting

Classified Grade: NOB Duty Station: Asmara Type of Contract Fixed Term Appointment (One-year renewable

subject to funding availability)

Organizational Context The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Eritrea and typically reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader.

Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer, Data Management and Results Monitoring/Reporting will be responsible of the following duties: (These duties are generic and may not be carried out by all Development Coordination Officers, Data Management and Results Monitoring/Reporting.) Summary of key functions:

Provides substantive support for the development and implementation of UN 1. Country Team (UNCT) data and research strategiesAssists in the development and expansion of strategic research and data 2. partnerships, including with UN entities at regional and HQ level, government counterparts, research institutes, leading global thinkers on development, and civil societyUndertakes monitoring and reporting of UNCT results under the UN 3. Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF)Supports knowledge management and capacity development related to data 4. and monitoring

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, information management, statistics, sustainable development, social sciences, education or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in providing strategic support to research and data analysis, knowledge management or project/programme management in the context of development cooperation or related area is required.

Language: Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

Other considerations: For more details please collect the Terms of Reference from the UNDP Reception Desk. Interested applicants should submit duly filled P11 form (available at the UNDP Reception Desk, UN Office in Asmara) and a detailed CV with supporting documents. Copy of document indicating exemption from/completion of national service should be sent to UNDP Reception Desk, and UN offices, Asmara, Eritrea.UNDP will contact those who are considered Potential candidates. Closing date for the application is 10 days from the date of announcement.

“UNDP is an equal opportunity employer which strives to achieve overall balance in its staffing patterns”

united Nations Development Programme







Photographers Corner

Biodiversity: A Barricade . . .continued from page 4

Photo: Salih Abdelkadir Mislam Dam

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) also values the concerted intergovernmental cooperation. Article 5 of the CBD states that ‘Each Contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as appropriate, cooperate with other Contracting Parties, directly or where appropriate, through competent international organizations, in respect of areas beyond national jurisdiction and on other matters of mutual interest, for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.’

In his address at the Biodiversity Summit held at the UN, Mr. Tesfay Ghebreselassie, Eritrea’s minister of Land, Water and Environment said that the disruption in biodiversity is an existential threat to global health security. He related the COVID-19 pandemic to the destruction of biodiversity and added that it isa “a stark reminder of how the destruction of an ecosystem is causing greater interaction between humans and animals.” “The protection and maintenance

of the biodiversity, the minister highlighted, “is our barricade from novel diseases.”

If human negligence is not corrected as quickly as possible, we will continue to live under constant threat. With an ever-growing population, degradation of biodiversity and greater animal-human interaction, there is

NEwSgreat probability of the world being faced with more pandemics and outbreaks of diseases. Therefore, to strengthen our ability to counter infectious diseases, fundamental reforms of the international system and behavioral changes at individual level are crucial.

Two micro dams built in Adobha Nuish administrative area, Adobha sub-zone, Northern Red Sea Region, are contributing significantly in ensuring potable water supply both to humans and livestock.

Speaking to Erina, Mr. Mohammed-Omer Dirar, administrator of the sub-zone said that thanks to the bountiful precipitation this season, the micro dams have conserved adequate water enough for human and livestock consumption.

Mr. Mohammed-Omer further stated that encouraged by the situation, residents are engaged in the construction of diversion canals and water and soil conservation activities with the objective of protecting the micro-dams from silt.

Residents on their part expressed readiness to protect and enhance water conservation capacity of the dams.

Adobha sub-zone is comprised of six administrative areas home to 16 thousand people.

MIcrO dAMs buIlt IN AdObhA

no. 36 saturday, october 10, 2020 pages 6 moa issued...

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