International Community Responds to Yemen’s Environmental Needs & Concerns [Archives:1998/12/Front Page]
Bilateral and multilateral donors responded positively to the environmental needs and concerns of the Republic of Yemen, as formulated in a number of proposed projects. The case for Yemen was made by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf, member of the Consultative Council, in Vancouver, Canada.
Last week, a gathering of senior government officials and representatives of several businesses and environmental NGOs held successive meetings to start plans for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, which calls for environmentally responsible policies.
The project in Yemen, although urban focused, touches on many issues such as garbage management, sewer treatment, pollution control, preservation of architectural heritage, and efforts to control desertification, deforestation, and terrace destruction.
In a statement made to Yemen Times, Professor Abdulaziz Al-Saqqaf indicated that “Yemen, as home to certain types of unique fauna and flora, should also consider the establishment of sanctuaries for its endemic wildlife.”
According to arrangements recently concluded in Vancouver, a number of representatives of NGOs, businesses, and senior government officials will pay visits to Yemen in order to assess the prospects for partnership projects.
The environment in Yemen is plagued by a number of serious problems. Lack of funds and public awareness have compounded the threat to the country’s environment. Help by the international community to alleviate these problems is more than welcome by the Yemeni government and public alike.
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