UNEP and partners are at the early stages of implementing a new project aimed at supporting the sustainable use of natural resources entitled “The Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Livelihoods in East Darfur.”

The project seeks to achieve three main results - policy development for the use of natural resources, the rehabilitation of water points, and helping local beneficiaries to apply techniques the contribute to the sustainable and productive use of natural resources. As a result, the resilience of conflict-affected communities in Darfur is aimed to be improved.

Based on lessons learned during the implementation of similar projects elsewhere in Darfur, the project aims to develop and improve policies and management plans guiding the use of natural resources in East Darfur, said Mr. Bradley Smith, UNEP Country Programme Manager in Sudan. This will address the root causes of unsustainable use of natural resources, and strengthen the capacity of state institutions to manage resources such as water, forests and rangelands.

Funded by the European Union and headed by the UN Office for Project Services, this East Darfur project therefore affirms a commitment to preserve peace and to support sustainable use of natural resources for improved livelihoods of conflict-affected communities in Darfur.

As part of Europe Day and the European Year for Development celebrations, UNEP hosted a commemorative ceremony at the EU’s representative office in Sudan to recognize the new project and other similar ones supported by the EU. The event was attended by government representatives and members of the international community.

For more information: cristina.poiata@unep.org