2013-03-19 06:30:38 - Join Somali Environment Protection Alliance Network (SEPAN), to learn more about our Environment, and how you can help our land and our people!

Alexandria, VA (March 2013) – The Somali Environment Protection Alliance Network (SEPAN) is, together with Somali Community in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area, holding a one day “SHOW SUPPORT “Day colloquial to raise awareness of the environmental degradation in the Greater Horn of Africa (mainly areas inhabited by nomadic populations). The event will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at 5pm at the Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus. 3001 North Beauregard Street , Bisdorf Building ROOM AA196, Alexandria, VA 22311.
The destruction of the vegetation cover of the region has been going on for a long time but has tremendously accelerated since the collapse of the central government in Somalia. With the absence of governmental authority and control the

export of charcoal became the number one cash export to oil rich countries of the Middle East
A 2007 Case Study showed that in 2000, total charcoal production was estimated at 112,000 metric tons and was expected to rise to 150,000 metric tons by 2005. Current estimates are that number be well over 1,650,000 metric ton annually. Approximately 80% of the charcoal production is destined for stoves in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia receiving the bulk of the exports. This is not only leading to desertification but an irreversible destruction of the human environment, as well in many different ways.

Participants in the event will detail and describe the process, policies and the potentials (both negative and positive) of the resultant situation.
SEPAN, a non-profit organisation founded in 2010 advocates the protection of the environment and wherever possible, the rehabilitation of local areas to promote economic development, raise social awareness and understanding the consequences of the on-going environmental degradation.
Read more information www.sepan.org
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