The Comorian government has initiated a project to develop integrated management plans for the Djando and Mlédjélé watersheds in Mwali. The project, part of the Ulanga Mali initiative, aims to enhance territorial and environmental planning. Launched on September 25, the project was introduced by Minister of Environment and Tourism Abubakacar Ben Mahmoud and Minister of Territorial Planning and Urbanism Chekidine Saïd. The initiative brings together village, communal, island, and national authorities.
The project is co-financed by the French Development Agency (Afd) and the European Union. Unlike the Island's Spatial Development Plan (Sat), which covers the entire island, the watershed management plan focuses on a specific hydrographic unit. It considers agricultural, environmental, and social dimensions. The communes of Djando and Mlédjélé in Mwali have been selected for this project due to their vulnerability to soil erosion, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
The two communes are directly connected to the marine protected area of the Mwali National Park. According to Minister Ben Mahmoud, these areas are prioritized in the island's Sat and require urgent integrated planning. The development of the watershed management plan will provide authorities with a reference framework for future financing and improved land use. The plan is expected to lead to a concrete investment portfolio within the first five months of the process.
The investment portfolio could reach up to three million euros through the Ulanga Mali project. Potential funding will support water and soil conservation, agricultural equipment, sustainable fishing, and hydro-agricultural developments. The project aims to address the specific challenges faced by the communes of Djando and Mlédjélé. By involving various stakeholders, the government seeks to ensure a comprehensive approach to watershed management.
The watershed management plan will differ from the Sat in its focus on a specific geographic area. While the Sat provides a broader framework for the island, the watershed management plan will offer a more detailed and localized approach. This approach will enable authorities to address the unique needs and challenges of the Djando and Mlédjélé watersheds.
The Ulanga Mali project is part of a larger effort to improve environmental management in Comoros. By working with local communities and authorities, the government aims to promote sustainable development and protect the island's natural resources. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and the local population.
The launch of the watershed management project marks an important step towards sustainable development in Mwali. With the support of international partners, the Comorian government is committed to addressing the environmental challenges facing the island. The project's success will depend on the continued involvement of local stakeholders and the effective implementation of the management plan.
Key points
- The project aims to address environmental challenges in the Djando and Mlédjélé watersheds.
- The initiative is co-financed by the French Development Agency (Afd) and the European Union.
- The project could lead to investments of up to three million euros.
