Upper House Approves Bill to Establish Environmental Management Agency

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament has approved a bill to establish a national Environmental Management Agency, paving the way for a dedicated institution to oversee environmental protection and management.

All 28 senators present at Monday’s sitting voted in favour of the proposed legislation, with no votes against or abstentions.

The bill is intended to provide an institutional framework for managing and protecting Somalia’s environment. Its approval by the Upper House marks a step in the legislative process, with the proposal still required to complete the remaining legal procedures before it can be implemented.

Somalia faces growing environmental pressures, including recurrent droughts, floods, land degradation, deforestation and the effects of climate change. These challenges have affected livelihoods, agriculture, livestock and communities already vulnerable to food insecurity and displacement.

The proposed agency is expected to provide a dedicated structure for addressing environmental concerns and strengthening the coordination of conservation and management efforts. However, details of its mandate, powers, funding and operational arrangements were not provided in the announcement.