Mauritania's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Massouda Baham Mohamed Laghfof, participated in the high-level segment of the 5th Arab Environment Forum in Cairo on September 30, 2026. The forum, held under the theme "Sustainable Management of Rangelands and Climate Action," brought together Arab countries to discuss environmental challenges and share experiences. Mauritania's participation was accompanied by the country's ambassador to Egypt and permanent representative to the Arab League, Hussein Sidi Abdullah Dah.
The forum's theme aligns with the United Nations' focus on rangeland management and climate action. As a country with a predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, Mauritania's experience in rangeland governance is crucial in addressing environmental challenges. The country's rangeland sector is a vital component of its economy and food security. Mauritania's participation in the forum aimed to share its expertise and learn from other Arab countries.
During her intervention, Minister Laghfof highlighted Mauritania's experience in rangeland governance, emphasizing the country's Rangeland Code, adopted in July 2000. The code established key principles for rangeland management, including transhumance, access to natural resources, and conflict prevention. The minister stressed that Mauritania's experience has been successful in addressing environmental challenges and can serve as a model for other countries facing similar issues.
The Mauritanian delegation's participation in the forum also showcased the country's efforts to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. Under the guidance of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the government has prioritized initiatives to enhance the resilience of rural communities, restore degraded lands, and improve natural resource management. These efforts align with Mauritania's national commitments to address climate change, combat desertification, and conserve biodiversity.
The forum concluded that enhanced consultation and coordination among Arab countries are essential in addressing shared environmental challenges. The participants emphasized the need for an integrated approach that combines sustainable rangeland management, desertification control, and biodiversity conservation with food security and climate action. The discussions highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and best practices in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges.
The Arab Environment Forum provided a platform for countries to share experiences and expertise in addressing environmental challenges. Mauritania's participation demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation and environmental protection. The country's experience in rangeland governance and sustainable development can inform policies and strategies in other Arab countries.
The 5th Arab Environment Forum concluded with a call for increased cooperation and coordination among Arab countries to address environmental challenges. The forum's outcomes will inform the 37th session of the Arab Council of Ministers responsible for Environment, which will discuss key environmental issues and develop strategies to address them. Mauritania's experience in rangeland governance and sustainable development will contribute to these discussions.
Key points
- Mauritania showcases its experience in rangeland governance at the 5th Arab Environment Forum in Cairo.
