Somalia's Puntland bans use, trade and importation of plastic bags

GAROWE, Somalia - In a major environmental conservation policy, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has banned the importation, trade, and use of plastic bags in the state, becoming the first regional leader to boldly support the policy, which has been adopted in several countries across the globe.

Somalia is one of the countries battling with adverse effects of climate change, which have traditionally occasioned severe drought and torrential rains, with floods and famine being some of the effects resulting from the vice.

At Garowe during the commemoration of World Environment Day, Deni maintained that his administration will no longer allow plastic bags in the state. Puntland is the first state to make such a pronouncement in all the six states of Somalia.

This bold move comes after The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change held extensive consultations with the business community, environmental experts, and the general public, emphasizing the critical need to tackle plastic pollution.

"We have banned importation, trade, and use of plastic bags in Puntland," Deni said in his statement. "We are going to deal with those indulging in this environmental degradation activity across our state. It is the primary responsibility of all to abide by the directive."

Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamad Farole, Puntland's regional minister for Environment and Climate Change, welcomed the move, adding that his department will ensure the formulation of policies that directly safeguard the environment for the sake of future generations.

"The Puntland Ministry of Environment has recently intensified efforts to raise awareness about environmental protection, always aiming to ensure that safeguarding the environment is impossible without community involvement," he said.

This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” saw the attendance of President of Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni, ministers, parliamentarians, the police force, international organizations, and various representatives, he added while acknowledging their presence.

GAROWE ONLINE