Eritrea - Overview

Remark:

Please note that this country profile has been prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information provided in the NBSAP and national reports, but has not been reviewed by the Party concerned.

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Eritrea lies in the northeastern corner of the Horn of Africa. Examples of habitats and ecosystems found in Eritrea include: Juniperus forest, riverine forest, coral reefs and traditional farming systems. A total of 126 mammal species, including 9 marine mammals have been identified in Eritrea. A number of mammals, notably the elephant, wild ass, greater kudu and civet, are in danger of national extinction... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

Currently, Eritrea has no formally protected areas, which are legally gazetted, although a number of potential locations have been identified and partially surveyed. The absence of formal protected areas does not mean that land is not conserved. As of 1999, around 192,734 sq. ha of land had been placed under partial or complete closure (i... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

The overall goal of the Eritrean NBSAP is as follows: “The overall biodiversity of Eritrea restored, conserved and managed so that it provides environmental services and natural resources that contribute to sustainable and socially-fair national economic development.” Three core areas were identified, namely terrestrial biodiversity, marine biodiversity and agricultural biodiversity, each with a major objective... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

There are several measures and initiatives that have been implemented in order to attain the 2010 target. In situ conservation of crop and livestock is being done to avoid the replacement of native species by introduced ones. Several projects have been implemented to improve the status of the following species; wild ass, gazelle, ostrich, green turtle, Juniperus procera, Doum palm tree and Boswellia species... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

A total of 27 areas are proposed for protection all over the country. However, priority is given to three areas, namely Semienawi Bahri, Buri Peninsula and Gash-Setit Elephant Sanctuary.

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Eritrea has included in it’s Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines a stipulation that addresses the issue of sacred areas and areas of traditional values. There are several mangrove restoration and conservation projects that are being done through community participation.

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mr. Mogos Woldeyohannis	CBD Primary NFP, SBSTTA NFP
Mr. Abraham Yohannes	CHM NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Mr. Mogos Woldeyohannis	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP
Mr. Abraham Yohannes	BCH NFP