1994: The Macro-Policy Document was created, outlining the background for Eritrea's national economic growth strategy. The Document also pursues the guiding principles of human-centered, efficient, sustainable and equitable development by addressing the following:
- Potential environmental consequences of investment decisions by undertaking appropriate environmental impact assessments before investment decisions are made
- Land use planning to reduce land degradation and biotic loss
- The proper disposal of environmental hazards
- Regulation of industrial and urban waste disposal systems
- Reduction of the widespread urban and rural poverty and the enhancement of social justice
- Enhancement of the status and increasing the participation of women
- Acceleration of human capital formation
- Restoration, enhancement and preservation of Eritrea’s ecological integrity
1994: The Eritrea Investment Proclamation was unveiled. This Proclamation establishes the following objectives: to encourage investments so as to develop and utilize the natural resources of the country; to expand export and encourage competitive import-substituting businesses; to create and expand employment opportunities; to encourage the introduction of new technology in order to enhance production efficiency and thereby optimize resource exploitation; to encourage equitable regional growth and development; and to encourage small and medium scale enterprises. Without in any way limiting other provisions of this Proclamation, all areas of investment shall be open to investors. Domestic retail and wholesale trade, import and commission agency shall be allowed to foreign investors when Eritrea has bilateral agreement of reciprocity with the country of the investor. However, this precondition may be waived by the Government. The size, location, purpose, terms and conditions of allocation of land/or water shall be determined by the relevant Eritrean laws and regulations.
1995: The National Environmental Management Plan for Eritrea was introduced, laying out a strategy for action for conservation activities. Its guiding principles include recognition of the strategic importance of conserving natural resources and maintaining environmental quality as a part of national economic growth and development process.
1999: The Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, in collaboration with other relevant government agencies, developed a system of National Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures and Guidelines.
2000: The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan was developed. In this document a set of action plans were listed
- Gazette protected areas for wildlife and habitat conservation
- The promotion of afforestation through community participation
- Greater public awareness in biodiversity conservation
- Linkages among different stakeholders
2002: The National Action Programme to Combat Desertification and Mitigate the Effect of Drought (NAP) was approved in order to:
- Raise public awareness
- Highlight the importance of gender in the fight against Desertification
- Establish NGOs and networks for Combating Desertification and Mitigating the Effects of Drought
- Formulate the Regional Action Programmes (RAP)
2005: The National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) was drafted to develop a countrywide programme that encompasses urgent and immediate adaptation activities:
- Policy measures
- Capacity building
- Technology transfer
2008: The Integrated Water Resource Management Action Plan was implemented. This Integrated Water Resource Management Action Plan, prepared and issued by the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, shall be instrumental for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the framework of the national development policy and strategy, which has recognized and addressed the importance of sustainable water resources management and increasing water use efficiency for livelihoods and sustainable development of the country aimed at promoting rapid economic growth and poverty reduction. The Plan was developed through a participatory approach, involving national and international institutions and NGOs.
Ministry of Land, Water and Environment: wrd@gemel.com.er
