Ouagadougou: The Belgian International Cooperation Agency (Enabel) and the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) have inaugurated the Natural Resource Management Stakeholders’ Forum in Ouagadougou. The event, spanning three days, gathers participants from nine countries to exchange experiences and strategies under the theme: “Sustainable Natural Resource Management: Synergy for the Sahel’s Socio-Ecological Resilience.”
According to Burkina Information Agency, Danny Denolf, Country Director for Mali and Burkina Faso at Enabel, emphasized the tangible impact of natural resource degradation on communities, highlighting its influence on food security, youth employment, and social stability. Denolf made these remarks during the forum’s official opening, underlining the urgency of addressing these issues for the betterment of national wealth and future infrastructure like schools and hospitals.
The forum, an initiative of Enabel and SNV, attracts participants from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain. It aims to foster collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of the Sahel’s populations and ecosystems.
The Ambassador and Consul General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Burkina Faso noted the dual nature of the Sahel’s climate, acknowledging its challenges and potential opportunities. The region’s issues, such as natural resource degradation, climate change impacts, demographic pressures, and security concerns, were highlighted as key factors affecting local production systems, food security, and biodiversity.
Supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Sanitation (MEEA), the forum focuses on three main resources: water, land, and timber and non-timber resources. Dr. Boureima Kouanda, Secretary General of the Ministry, speaking for Minister Roger Baro, expressed hopes for enhanced collaboration and the development of a shared action plan. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to reforestation and ecosystem restoration, aligning with the resilience strategy for 2025 and initiatives such as ‘Patriotic Hour to Green Faso’ and ‘One Province, One Medicinal Grove’.