This Law consisting of 10 articles aims at establishing the National Agency for Environmental Protection, Disaster Management and Preparedness, a governmental body with the responsibility of crisis preparation and management by, among other things (i) formulating and developing disaster prevention and preparedness policies; (ii) studying disaster areas in the past to formulate strategies; (iii) creating food stocks; (iv) developing a warning system; (v) declaring and identifying the parts of the country affected by the disaster; (vi) ensuring that aid is properly documented and reaches those in need in the affected areas. The Agency reports to the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland. Article 5 focuses on the research activity of the Agency that, in this specific field, mainly undertakes the following (i) develop strategic rules and procedures for required programs; (ii) coordinate the activities of government agencies in the management of environmental degradation; (iii) strengthen legislation and institutions involved in environmental research; (iv) protect land for the conservation of resources; (v) protect the coastal areas where fish born; (vi) prevent and minimize harmful to all organisms such as waste, and pollutants, chemicals, etc.; (vii) ensure that all initiated activities are environmentally friendly; (viii) provide awareness, training and education programs to the general public; (ix) monitor and evaluate disaster situation, and develop a system for monitoring the assessment of environmental programs including: forecasting, geographic information and warning; (x) monitor mountain water; (xi) encourage the formation of youth and student volunteer organizations working with drought preparedness and environmental studies specifically on health, pollution control and awareness; (xii) establish research centers on how to combat soil erosion and increase plant yields. The Agency is assisted by a Disaster Management and Preparedness Committee (GMDA) composed of the Chairman of NERAD (Chairman), representatives of seven Ministries, Heads of United Nations Institutions, and representatives of indigenous Non-Governmental Organizations, the Agent of pastoralists, farmers, and village elders.
Somalia · 2006-01-01