COUNTRY’S CONTEXT
Somalia ranks among the least developed countries in Sub-Saharan Africa due to decades of civil war, political unrest and weak governance. United Nations Environment Programme UNEP works with Somali government, other UN agencies and international partners to promote sustainable practices, restore degraded ecosystems, and build resilience against climate-related risks, such as droughts and floods. UNEP also focuses on environmental security in Somalia by addressing issues like natural resource management, climate change, and environmental degradation, which are key drivers of conflict in the region. By integrating environmental management with peace-building efforts, UNEP supports the government to mainstream the climate security into the peace-building programmes and policies to reduce conflict over scarce resources, support livelihoods, and contribute to long-term stability in Somalia.
CLIMATE-CONFLICT NEXUS
UNEP supports Somalia in addressing the Climate-Conflict Nexus by recognizing that while climate change may not directly cause conflict, it significantly exacerbates resource scarcity, fueling tensions over vital resources such as water, grazing land, and fertile agricultural areas. In Somalia, the impacts of climate change, including recurring floods, droughts, and unpredictable weather patterns, have led to widespread human displacement. This displacement often results in overcrowded cities, heightening demand for shelter, clean water, energy, and healthcare, which further strains existing humanitarian systems.
To counter these challenges, UNEP promotes climate-conflict-sensitive interventions and policies that prioritize peacebuilding and equitable access to natural resources. These measures aim to mitigate risks linked to resource-based conflicts by integrating climate adaptation strategies with conflict prevention initiatives. By fostering collaboration between environmental, humanitarian, and peacebuilding sectors, UNEP works to implement sustainable solutions that address resource scarcity, reduce tensions, and support long-term stability in Somalia.
COORDINATION AND THEMATIC SUPPORT ON WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND POLICIES.
UNEP plays a pivotal role in coordinating environmental efforts and providing thematic support to Somalia, addressing critical issues such as water resource management, environmental protection, and policy development. In collaboration with the Somali Government, UN agencies, and international partners, UNEP ensures cohesive approaches to tackling environmental challenges. As part of its coordination efforts, UNEP co-leads the Integrated Water Management Task Force, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to promote sustainable water management. These efforts include the development of frameworks for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and advancing initiatives like the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP) to enhance water security and resilience in drought-prone areas. UNEP’s coordination ensures that water-related initiatives align with broader environmental goals and national development priorities.
In addition to water resource management, UNEP provides thematic support in environmental protection and policy formulation to safeguard Somalia’s fragile ecosystems and promote sustainable development. UNEP collaborates with Somali authorities and friends of environment to address land degradation, deforestation, and pollution, while advancing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Through technical assistance, UNEP supports the development of national environmental policies and frameworks that align with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include strategies for climate adaptation, renewable energy adoption, and disaster risk reduction. Through combining coordination, technical expertise and capacity-building, UNEP empowers Somali institutions to effectively manage natural resources, mitigate environmental risks and integrate sustainability into development planning.
UNEP INTERVENTIONS
The Deegaan Bile Projects
In the regions of Galmudug and Hirshabelle (2022-2024) represent a collaborative initiative between UNEP and IOM, aimed at fostering environmental peacebuilding in Somalia. These projects recognize the deep interconnection between environmental issues and social stability in areas where access to natural resources, such as water and grazing land, is often limited and disputed. In regions where communities are divided along clan lines, competition for these scarce resources can lead to conflicts, particularly in areas where climate change exacerbates resource scarcity and environmental degradation.
Utilizing a conflict sensitive climate lens, the Deegan Bile Projects are specifically designed to address these tensions by promoting equitable resource management and building resilience to climate impacts. This approach involves engaging with local communities to develop inclusive resource-sharing frameworks, establish environmental restoration practices and enhance local capacities for sustainable natural resource management. Aside from addressing both the environmental and social drivers of conflict, UNEP and IOM aim to not only reduce resource-based tensions but also to build trust among communities, promote harmony, and support long-term peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.
THE PROSCAL (PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CHARCOAL ALTERNATIVES AND ADOPTION IN SOMALIA)
A program done by UNEP with aims to mitigate the environmental degradation caused by charcoal production in Somalia through sustainable energy solutions and ecosystem restoration. Charcoal production has led to severe deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, affecting both local communities and Somalia's natural landscapes. In order address these challenges, PROSCAL promotes the adoption of renewable energy alternatives such as solar and biogas while supporting reforestation and land rehabilitation initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems.
PROSCAL also focuses on community capacity building by providing training in renewable energy skills, supporting alternative livelihoods and collaborating with Somali authorities to develop policies that encourage sustainable energy practices. This offers economic opportunities in renewable energy and engaging communities in environmental stewardship, also PROSCAL seeks to reduce dependency on charcoal, improve resilience against climate impacts, and foster sustainable development pathways for Somalia's future.
SUSTAINABLE FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND RISK REDUCTION ACTION
With FAO coordination and technical input from DHI, UNEP has carried out a Nature-Based Solution Project in Beledweyne. This project aimed to evaluate flood dynamics in the Shabelle River Basin and offer nature-based solutions for reducing flood risks. Nature-based Solution for bank stabilization and/or sediment load reduction can mitigate river flooding, and scenarios for Nature-based Solution application have also been investigated using the model.
OIL SPILLS AND OIL FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
UNEP has actively supported Somalia in strengthening environmental governance, management, and capacity building, particularly in the context of its emerging oil and gas sector. Through collaboration with the Government of Somalia and partners like the Norwegian Oil for Development Programme, UNEP has undertaken strategic environmental assessments (SEAs), environmental legal and policy reviews, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts aim to guide sustainable development while addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges.
The main focus included:
- Conducting a Preliminary SEA to identify key environmental and socio-economic issues in the oil and gas sector and recommending sustainable policy actions.
- Reviewing and recommending improvements to Somalia’s environmental legal and policy framework, including draft legislation on environmental impact assessments (EIA) and regulatory compliance.
- Enhancing institutional capacity at federal and state levels to manage risks, promote coordination, and implement international environmental agreements.
- Supporting the development of a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and fostering climate-resilient policies, including alignment with Somalia’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
UNEP has emphasized stakeholder engagement to harmonize traditional governance frameworks like Xeer with modern regulations and international standards to foster a balanced approach to economic development and ecological sustainability.
CLIMATE PEACE AND SECURITY TRAINING 
In collaboration with UNSOM, UNEP developed Climate, Peace, and Security (CPS) training for UNSOM personnel and police to enhance their understanding of the climate-conflict nexus, equipping them to better assess and mitigate related security In collaboration with UNSOM, UNEP developed Climate, Peace, and Security (CPS) training for UNSOM personnel and police to enhance their understanding of the climate-conflict nexus, equipping them to better assess and mitigate related security risks. In addition, the insights from the training informed Somalia's inclusion as a case study in a UN Security Council briefing on climate security.
OZON-ACTION: SOMALIA PREPARATION OF A KIGALI HFC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
UNEP is supporting Somalia in implementing a nation-wide survey to assess the current and projected use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a significant step toward managing climate-impacting refrigerants. This project will gather essential data on HFC consumption and identify existing HFC-related policies in Somalia. The information gathered will be instrumental in crafting a comprehensive Kigali HFC Implementation Plan proposal, designed to align with the guidelines set by the Executive Committee of the Montreal Protocol.
This initiative marks a crucial step for Somalia in advancing its commitments to the Kigali Amendment, which aims to reduce HFC emissions globally and curb climate change. UNEP's support will help Somalia establish a foundational understanding of HFC usage and regulatory gaps, equipping the country to transition to climate-friendly alternatives and contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through this, UNEP is working closely with Somali stakeholders to build local capacities for sustainable refrigerant management and to ensure the successful planning and execution of the Kigali HFC Implementation Plan.
JOWHAR OFF-STREAM STORAGE PROGRAMME
UNEP is actively contributing to the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP), a transformative initiative led by FAO in collaboration with government and UN partners. The program aims to rehabilitate a large irrigation scheme in Hirshabelle State, reducing flood risks and mitigating droughts while targeting 1.65 million beneficiaries. This partnership underscores a collective commitment to sustainable development and resilience-building in Somalia.
UNEP will engage different projects under the JOSP program by focusing three outcomes:
Outcome 1: To strengthen the effectiveness of the JOSP program through the coherent and coordinated management of scientific evidence and the implementation of adequate environmental safeguards.
Outcome 2: To restore the reservoir ecosystem and its biodiversity.
Outcome 3: To strengthen the natural resource management capacity of the Somali government and institutions.
UNEP’S TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO THE MOECC, MOEWR AND OTHER LINE MINISTRIES
UNEP provides technical support and capacity-building initiatives to Somalia’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR), and other line ministries to strengthen Somalia’s environmental governance, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. Through this support, UNEP works closely with these ministries to develop strategic frameworks, build institutional capacities, and provide access to vital environmental data and technologies. UNEP’s goal is to empower Somali institutions to lead national climate adaptation, water management, and environmental protection initiatives effectively, aligning with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Technical Support and Capacity Building
UNEP’s technical assistance to MoECC, MoEWR, and related ministries includes policy advice, capacity-building workshops, and guidance on project design and proposal submissions. For example, UNEP helps these ministries in setting up frameworks for integrated water management, climate adaptation, and sustainable land use. UNEP’s support includes training government officials and technical staff on climate-resilient practices, environmental monitoring, and data-driven decision-making to enhance their response to environmental challenges. UNEP also aids in developing Somalia’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), guiding the country toward a structured and resilient approach to climate adaptation.
Data Approaches: STRATA and WESR
UNEP has introduced advanced data systems to support informed decision-making, notably through STRATA (Spatial Data and Risk Analysis) and WESR (World Environment Situation Room). In collaboration with FAO, UNEP uses STRATA’s scientific methodology to map Somalia’s climate, environmental, and security vulnerability hotspots. This initiative integrates multiple datasets—including environmental, conflict, and socio-economic indicators—to provide a comprehensive view of Somalia’s most at-risk regions. Originally piloted in Somalia, STRATA deliver critical geospatial insights that support peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and resilience planning. By providing Somali institutions with in-depth data analysis capabilities, STRATA enable MoECC and MoEWR to evaluate climate vulnerabilities, map high-risk areas, and implement targeted resilience interventions that enhance climate resilience, mitigate environmental risks, and improve security outcomes in the most vulnerable regions.
WESR (World Environment Situation Room) is UNEP’s global environmental data repository, which aggregates and visualizes environmental data from around the world. WESR offers real-time monitoring capabilities for various environmental indicators, providing Somali institutions with access to a comprehensive data library on climate, water resources, and biodiversity. By integrating WESR data, the MoECC and MoEWR can monitor environmental trends, track progress on national targets, and align their efforts with international climate agreements.
Through STRATA, WESR, and other UNEP-led data approaches, Somalia’s ministries are equipped with critical insights to manage natural resources sustainably, assess the impacts of climate change, and develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. UNEP’s continued support in these areas enables Somali institutions to build a robust foundation for long-term environmental resilience and sustainable development.
UNEP’S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE UNCT, RCO, DONORS AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA
UNEP plays a crucial role within the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Somalia, serving as the lead environmental agency and focal point for climate and environmental coordination. This role encompasses supporting the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) and building partnerships with donors to address pressing issues around climate adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, and sustainable water management. By driving interagency collaboration and aligning environmental priorities, UNEP facilitates a unified response to Somalia's climate challenges.
Coordination Support
UNEP provides sustained coordination, advisory, and policy support to both the UN System and the Federal Government of Somalia. With a focus on climate adaptation and water management, UNEP works closely with the RCO to ensure environmental priorities are integrated across UN programs and activities in Somalia. By engaging in high-level consultations with government stakeholders, UNEP ensures alignment with national development objectives and promotes climate resilience, supporting the “Delivering as One” approach. UNEP’s coordination support strengthens the integration of climate adaptation strategies, water resource management frameworks, and sustainable development goals within the Somali government’s policy landscape.
Technical Assistance
UNEP’s technical assistance plays a vital role in building and sustaining robust coordination mechanisms that support environmental goals across sectors. UNEP co-chairs the Integrated Water Management Task Force, a multi-stakeholder platform that addresses critical water resource challenges through collaborative planning and action. The advisor also leads the UN Environmental Task Force, which consolidates UN agency efforts around environmental issues, promoting information sharing and reducing overlap. Additionally, UNEP convenes the Friends of Environment Task Force, a donor coordination group that aligns financial and technical support from donors to ensure efficient resource use and strategic focus on priority areas like climate resilience and sustainable water management. Through leadership in the Pillar Working Group on Climate Change, UNEP ensures that climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation efforts are central to Somalia’s environmental agenda, leveraging technical expertise and cross-sector collaboration to address Somalia’s unique environmental vulnerabilities.
Resource Mobilisation
In collaboration with the RCO and other partners, UNEP actively mobilizes resources for Somalia’s environmental programs, which include climate adaptation, mitigation, and water management initiatives. UNEP’s advisor coordinates donor forums and engages directly with international partners to secure vital funding, preparing detailed project proposals that align with donor priorities and Somalia’s development needs. UNEP has supported the Somali government in obtaining climate finance for adaptation projects under frameworks such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), which focus on long-term resilience against climate impacts. By fostering partnerships with bilateral and multilateral donors, UNEP ensures sustained resource flow to strengthen Somalia’s capacities in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable water management.
UNEP'S ROLE IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION, MITIGATION, AND FINANCE
UNEP serves as a central resource for the UNCT in developing and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation measures in Somalia. With technical expertise, UNEP guides agencies on best practices in climate adaptation, helping build Somalia’s resilience against climate change impacts, including droughts and floods. UNEP also advises on climate mitigation efforts, supporting renewable energy initiatives, reforestation, and carbon sequestration projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with Somalia’s climate goals. Through its close collaboration with the RCO, UNEP assists Somalia in accessing climate finance, ensuring the country can secure and utilize funds for climate action, including adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building projects.
In this coordinating capacity, UNEP not only supports project implementation but also builds institutional capacities within the Somali government and the UNCT, strengthening their ability to sustainably manage resources and respond effectively to climate challenges.
NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION PLAN
UNEP is supporting the Somali government in achieving its strategic goal of promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening climate resilience in Somalia. UNEP is actively engaging and coordinating in supporting Somalia's National Transformation Plan, specifically focusing on the "environment and climate resilience pillar." Through strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative programs, UNEP is working alongside the Somali government, UNCT, and internal partners to enhance environmental sustainability, promote biodiversity conservation, and strengthen climate resilience in Somalia. By aligning efforts with the goals of the National Transformation Plan, UNEP aims to contribute significantly to the sustainable development and long-term resilience of Somalia's environment and communities.
ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE RESEARCH REPORTS
UNEP contributes to research on environmental and climate change topics. For example, UNEP subsidised to Samuel Hall’s report on identifying climate-adaptive solutions to displacement in Somalia.
The report examined the connections between climate change, displacement, and urbanization, with a focus on Baidoa and Kismayo, to identify the key drivers of climate-induced migration. It also explored adaptive and transformative solutions aimed at strengthening resilience to climate change and displacement at both the community and policy levels.
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