Al-gadarif: Activities of the First National Conference of Federal and State Environmental Institutions commenced Sunday morning in Al-Gadarif State under the slogan 'Towards an Emergency Plan to Confront the Impacts of War.'
According to Sudan News Agency, the opening session was attended by Wali of Al-Gadarif Lieutenant General Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Suleiman Al-Bouni, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, and secretaries of environment and natural resources councils from the states.
Addressing the inaugural session, Wali of Al-Gadarif State pointed to the efforts underway to restore vegetation cover and improve environmental sanitation. He noted the severe environmental degradation resulting from widespread violations and called for mobilizing support and resources to address the damage. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to implementing all conference recommendations aimed at advancing and safeguarding the environment.
The Secretary-General of the National Environment Council said the first conference is being held under circumstances that require unified efforts. He explained that the conference focuses on institutional capacity-building between the federal level and the states, resource management systems, the current environmental situation across the states, and the promotion of scientific research. He called for the adoption and execution of an emergency response plan, affirming that donor funding will be made available.
Director-General of Al-Gadarif State Ministry of Health and Acting Chair of the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Ahmed Al-Amin Adam underlined the environmental impact of displacement, citing excessive tree cutting and declining vegetation cover, which intensify drought and desertification risks, in addition to gold mining activities. He stressed that environmental protection constitutes the first line of defence for public health.