MOGADISHU — Officials from the Benadir Regional Administration, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, have concluded Somalia’s National Tree-Planting Week with a ceremony at Mogadishu City Hall, marking the culmination of nationwide environmental restoration efforts.
The event forms part of ongoing government-led initiatives to restore the environment and advance the national “Greener Somalia” program, which focuses on climate change mitigation and sustainable urban development.
Tree-Planting Activities Across Banadir Districts
During the ceremony, the Deputy Governor for Public Works of Banadir Region, Abdumajid Dahir Adan, joined by the Secretary General of Benadir Regional Administration, Bilan Bile, and the Director of the Environment and Water Department, Mahad Abdi Farah, reported that tree-planting activities had been implemented throughout all districts of Banadir over the past week.
They emphasized that this initiative represents a broader strategy to green Mogadishu and enhance environmental resilience in the capital.
State Minister Commends Benadir Administration
State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ahmed Omar Mohamed, praised the Benadir administration for its significant participation in the nationwide campaign, noting that such cooperative efforts demonstrate the Federal Government’s dedication to environmental preservation and expanding tree-planting programs nationwide.
Benadir’s Broader Environmental and Infrastructure Initiatives
The tree-planting campaign is part of a wider environmental strategy being implemented by the Benadir Regional Administration. In December 2025, the Governor of Benadir Regional Administration and Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungab, officially launched the rehabilitation and dredging project for the Boondheere District catchment area, a vital water catchment basin serving five separate districts within the Benadir region. The project aimed to improve the city’s drainage system, reduce flood risks during rainy seasons, and facilitate smoother movement for vehicles and pedestrians.
The Benadir administration has also taken significant steps in disaster response. Following devastating floods in May 2025, the Benadir Regional Authority initiated a large-scale road cleaning and repair operation in Mogadishu to restore mobility and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
The Benadir Regional Administration and Mogadishu Municipality jointly launched a large-scale emergency operation to evacuate residents affected by heavy rains and clear water from the city’s main roads, deploying heavy machinery, emergency response teams, and municipal workers to assist vulnerable communities.
Institutional Framework for Environmental Governance
The Federal Government has strengthened the institutional framework for environmental governance. In October 2025, the Council of Ministers ratified the Water Convention, underscoring Somalia’s commitment to sustainable management of water resources and cross-border cooperation on shared water systems. This move aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote environmental resilience and resource sustainability in the face of recurrent droughts and climate challenges.
Commitment to a Greener Future
The National Tree-Planting Week celebration at Mogadishu City Hall represents one of many ongoing efforts by Somali authorities to address environmental degradation, combat the effects of climate change, and restore the country’s natural landscape.
The Benadir Regional Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding these initiatives and strengthening partnerships with federal institutions to achieve a greener and more sustainable future for Mogadishu and the surrounding region.
The “Greener Somalia” initiative, championed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, continues to gain momentum as federal and regional authorities work together to plant millions of trees across the country, countering the escalating risks of desertification, persistent droughts, and climatic shifts.
