On land and offshore, Somalia possesses important and unique natural resources within its varied bio-geographical areas. However, this means that particular care needs to be taken in terms of their management. Unfortunately, this has not been the case and, instead, there is a dismal history of resource over-exploitation for personal or private gain.

The most rapid degradation has been of forest and range resources that provide the raw materials for production of charcoal in Somalia – extracted predominantly from slow growing dry deciduous bush land and thicket species of acacia and commiphora.

The increasing loss of the natural resource base throughout Somalia is a key factor in determining the severity of humanitarian crises – as evidenced during the most recent drought to hit the region in 2010, the impacts of which are still having an effect today.

Hayaan’s research aims to contribute to the reduction of environmental degradation and unsustainable charcoal production, trade and use. The institute discusses policies, strategies and interventions that can halt environmental degradation, enhance climate and livelihood resilience and diversify energy sources while promoting social equity for vulnerable groups (youth, IDPs and women), reducing conflict, and promoting peace and development.