Training on pests control in general and that of locust invasion was organized to over 50 staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture and members of the Defense Forces in Mai-Mine sub-zone, Southern region. Mendefera, 14 July 2020- Training on pests control in general and that of locust invasion was organized to over 50 staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture and members of the Defense Forces in Mai-Mine sub-zone, Southern region. The theoretical and practical training included characteristics and types of pests and means of controlling, application and maintenance of spray equipment as well as spraying system. Indicating that the objective of the training was to put in place precautionary measures in case of the occurrence of locust invasion, Mr. Rehas Alene, Acting Head of the Ministry of Agriculture in the sub-zone, called on the trainees to transfer the knowledge they acquired to fellow farmers. Pointing out that the training will have significant contribution in developing their knowledge; the trainees expressed readiness to apply the training they received practically on the ground. Similar training was also provided to over 2,500 farmers and members of the Defense Forces in the Central region from 2 to 14 July.

Commendable effort is being exerted to control the prevalence of malaria in Anseba region. The report was made by the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Keren, 14 July 2020- Commendable effort is being exerted to control the prevalence of malaria in Anseba region. The report was made by the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Indicating that the achievement already registered is the result of the integrated efforts on the part of the Ministry of Health, the public and stakeholders, Mr. Kiros Sereke, head of Malaria Control in the region, said that the proper usage of impregnated bed nets and sustainable environmental sanitation activities were contributing factors for the successful outcome. Mr. Kiros also said that a laboratory has been established in Eleberet with a view to conduct research on the types of malaria mosquitoes and there by to introduce proper means and mechanism of controlling the malaria prevalence. The head of Promotion and Information at the Ministry of Health branch, Mr. Tesfa’alem Misgina on his part called for reinforced participation of all concerned institutions and stakeholders for the total eradication of malaria in the region.

Owners of small businesses in the port city of Massawa and residents of 01, 02 and 03 administrative areas extended food items to disadvantaged citizens. Asmara, 13 July 2020- Owners of small businesses in the port city of Massawa and residents of 01, 02 and 03 administrative areas extended food items to disadvantaged citizens. According to report, over 62 thousand Nakfa collected from 110 small businesses as well as 52 quintals of crops was disbursed to 346 disadvantaged families. Similarly, over 26 thousand Nakfa collected from affluent citizens in Ghinda town and 10 quintals of crops was distributed to disadvantaged families. In related news a number of house owners in Ghinda sub-zone have decided that the families renting their houses to live free of charge ranging from one to three months.

Nationals in the Scandinavian countries contributed over 260 thousand Kroner to augment the National Fund to contain the spread of corona virus and Martyrs Trust Fund. Asmara, 13 July 2020- Nationals in the Scandinavian countries contributed over 260 thousand Kroner to augment the National Fund to contain the spread of corona virus and Martyrs Trust Fund. According to the Eritrean Embassy in the Scandinavian countries, ‘Eri Tsinat’ Pal Talk Forum contributed 81 thousand Kroner in the name of the late Awelker Seid, former editor and coordinator of the forum, the National Holidays Coordinating Committee in the Scandinavian countries 50 thousand and 100 Kroner in the name of the late Berhane Tilahun, former cahier of the committee,  residents of Ockelbo 6 thousand Kroner, national committee in Denmark 7 thousand Kroner and one national contributed 6 thousand Kroner. Similarly, Eritrean nationals in Sweden contributed 41 thousand Kroner, nationals in Oslo and its environs 30 thousand Kroner, nationals in Trondheim, Norway, 30 thousand Kroner, nationals in Ulsteinvik, Norway, 7 thousand and 257 Kroner. A number of nationals in the Scandinavian countries also decided that the families renting their houses in various parts of the country to live free of rental payment ranging from three months until the end of 2020. In related news, 14 owners of small businesses in Edaga area, Massawa, contributed 8 thousand and 600 Nakfa, 22 thousand and 500 Nakfa.

At a virtual activity assessment meeting conducted on 5 July members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Italy expressed resolve to strengthen organizational capacity and participation in the national development endeavors. Asmara, 08 July 2020- At a virtual activity assessment meeting conducted on 5 July members of the National Union of Eritrean Women branch in Italy expressed resolve to strengthen organizational capacity and participation in the national development endeavors. According to report the meeting was attended by Mr. Fesehatsion Petros, Eritrean Ambassador to Italy and representatives from the Italian cities of Milano, Brescia, Parma, Bologna, Pisa, Rome, Napoli, Bari, Teramo, Pascari, Catania, Genova and Firenze. Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Nigisti Tsegai, chairwoman of the branch union, indicated that in past six months the activities of the union was confined in supporting the task force to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and that successful activities have been conducted. Ambassador Fesehatsion Petros also gave extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland. Similarly, the YPFDJ organization in Rome also conducted its annual congress meeting on 4 July. At the congress activity reports were presented by various heads of the organization and new executive committee was elected.

President Isaias Afwerki returned home today, 6 July, in the afternoon hours concluding three day working visit to Egypt. Asmara, 07 July 2020- President Isaias Afwerki returned home today, 6 July, in the afternoon hours concluding three day working visit to Egypt. President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt met and held extensive discussion at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments of interest to the two countries. The Presidential delegation included, Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab.

The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) of   the   Ministry of Agriculture is working hard to enhance productivity of fruits and vegetables through tissue culture technology. According to Mr. Mussie Fekadu, Head of Bio-technology Research Unit, tissue culture is a modern plant biotechnology that is applied in many countries for mass production and superior planting material which is free from diseases. For this reason, tissue culture laboratory is rrequired to maintain high standard and innovative technologies. Mr. Mussie stated that NARI established a tissue culture laboratory in 2014 at its headquarters in Halhale. The principal objectives of the undertaking were to produce virus free, large scale, healthy and improved high quality plant materials. Furthermore, the tasks incorporate production of genetically uniform and disease-free plant materials; and, rapid in-vitro multiplication which would, in turn lead, to higher productivity per unit area.  Currently, the tissue culture laboratory is engaged in producing healthy plant materials of potatoes, date palms and bananas. Mr. Mussie briefed this newsletter on ongoing efforts and achievements so far of tissue culture technology in the three selected horticultural areas. The scope of work spans three standard phases, namely; laboratory activities, net-shed house production and open field multiplication.   Potato Tissue Culture In Eritrea, potato productivity was relatively low mainly due to prevalence of viral diseases. These viral diseases entail degeneration which is characterized by decrease in vigor and productivity after successive cultivation from the same lot of tubers. In this respect, production of seed tubers through tissue culture becomes an important mode of rapid multiplication of virus free seed potato. This has been pursued and the laboratory has the potential these days to produce 50-70 quintals of pre-basic (high grade) seeds annually. As it happens, more than 350 quintals   of   potato   per   hectare, far beyond the country’s average, is being harvested in open field multiplication. Date palm Tissue Culture Date palm can be propagated through seed, vegetative offshoot and tissue culture. However, vegetative offshoot accumulates several bacterial, fungal and viral diseases which result in decline of productivity. Propagation through seed   has   many   limitations such as seed dormancy, low rate of germination and progeny variation. However, propagation using tissue culture is seen as one of well-proven innovative methods. Production of disease-free fruits, uniform growth, easy handling during transportation and high survival rate of seeds are among major advantages of using tissue culture approach. According   to   Mr.   Mussie, date palm    tissue   culture    technology is much more difficult than that of potato and banana. Currently, micro-propagation of date palm has been carried out through somatic embryo-genesis and the ex-plants are found at shooting and rooting stages. Parallel to this ongoing research in the country, a total of 7,800 vitro- plants of date palm were imported from a well-known tissue culture laboratory and kept at Massawa shed net for hardening. They are now being distributed to potential areas of date palm cultivation in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions. The first batch of 2000 date palms have already started to flower and bear fruits. Banana Tissue Culture Tissue culture in banana is a relatively   simple   technique   that has been used for commercial propagations in several countries. In Eritrea, tissue culture technology is considered to be an appropriate option to provide sufficient quality and quantity of such materials to farmers. Tissue culture technology will augment easy access of farmers to large quantities of superior clean planting material with higher yield per unit area. Mr. Mussie underlined that even though banana tissue culture is as its stage, 600 plantlets have been produced so far from Grandnein variety. These have now been planted for trial in Halhale, Golij and Agordet research stations. Mr. Mussie further stressed that in the coming few years, this particular technology is expected to contribute significantly in higher productivity of the selected fruits and vegetables. In very broad terms, plant tissue culture is a phased technique of growing plant cells, tissues, organs, seeds or other plant parts in a sterile environment on a nutrient medium. Culture media used for in vitro cultivation of plant cells are composed of basic components of macro and micro elements, vitamins, amino acids, carbon source, gelling agents and plant growth regulators.

President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours of today, 6 July, met and held talks with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo. The two leaders held frank and extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional developments. Asmara, 06 July 2020- President Isaias Afwerki in the afternoon hours of today, 6 July, met and held talks with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo. The two leaders held frank and extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional developments. The two sides agreed to promote comprehensive bilateral cooperation. As regards regional development, the two leaders recognized that challenges and tensions are casting their shadow over vast opportunities which remain untapped, despite their undisputed benefits for all countries. The two leaders agreed to work together to foster mutual understanding and concrete actions to protect the interests of all parties and advance common interests. The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab and Ambassador Fasil Gebreselasie on the Eritrean side and Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shukri, Intelligence Chief, Mr. Abbas Kamel and Minister of Agriculture Mr. Mohammed Marzuq.

Individuals and institutions in the Central Region are taking voluntary blood donation initiative aimed at augmenting blood reserve of the National Blood Transfusion Center, report indicated. Asmara, 01 July 2020 – Individuals and institutions in the Central Region are taking voluntary blood donation initiative aimed at augmenting blood reserve of the National Blood Transfusion Center, report indicated. Accordingly, staff members of Geza Banda sub zone administration, Eritrean Airlines, as well as students of Nakfa School of Social Sciences donated 186 bags of blood. Speaking to Erina, Mr. Kibreab Gebru, head of Information and Promotion at the National Blood Transfusion Center pointing the significance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives called for increased participation of the public. Commending the initiative nationals are under taking to augment blood supply to health facilities during the time of corona virus pandemic, Ms. Alem Berhe, chairwoman of the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association called for integrated effort aimed at increasing the awareness of the public and the number of voluntary blood donors.

The Governor of Anseba Region, Mr. Abdella Musa conducted tour of inspection with a view to observe the progress of the implementation of development program and preparation of farmers to cultivate their lands before the coming of the rainfall season. Keren, 01 July 2020- The Governor of Anseba Region, Mr. Abdella Musa conducted tour of inspection with a view to observe the progress of the implementation of development program and preparation of farmers to cultivate their lands before the coming of the rainfall season. The tour of inspection that the Governor conducted from 5 to 27 June was also aimed at discussing with the concerned institutions on providing the public with efficient social services by identifying the strengths and shortcomings. In the course of his visit to educational and health facilities, nursery centers, dams, potable water distribution centers as well as agricultural projects, Mr. Musa was provided briefings by the heads of the institutions and coordinators of the projects. Commending for the effort being conducted to expand educational and health service provisions across the region, the residents called for speeding up the master plan semi-urban centers, provision of potable water supply, renovation of roads, as well as for addressing the shortcomings in the agricultural projects and introduction of solar system among others.

According to the report from the Ministry of Health, about half a million Nakfa and over 40 thousand Durham has been contributed by nationals inside the country and abroad to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Asmara, 26 June 2020- According to the report from the Ministry of Health, about half a million Nakfa and over 40 thousand Durham has been contributed by nationals inside the country and abroad to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, employees of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students contributed additional 124 thousand and 948 Nakfa, employees of the Central region administration additional 42 thousand 745 Nakfa, Victoria Bar 15 thousand Nakfa, Gurae Furniture 10 thousand Nakfa and small businesses and cooperative associations in the Central region contributed a total of 20 thousand and 500 Nakfa. Similarly, Eritrean nationals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, contributed 39 thousand and 350 and 1 thousand and 500 Durham respectively. In related news a number of nationals inside the country and abroad are continuing to allow the families renting their houses in various parts of the country to live free of rental payment ranging from one to three months.

President Isaias Afwerki in the morning hours of today, 26 June, held extensive discussion with Mr. Abdullah Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan, on bilateral and regional issues. Asmara, 26 June 2020- President Isaias Afwerki in the morning hours of today, 26 June, held extensive discussion with Mr. Abdullah Hamdok, Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan, on bilateral and regional issues. The two sides underlined that the Horn of Africa cooperation was not an option but a necessity.President Isaias and Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok stressed that the Horn of Africa would provide framework for resolution of all disputes and differences between the countries in the region.The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab and Mr. Ibrahim Idris, Charge d’Affairs at the Eritrean Embassy in Sudan on the Eritrean side and the Sudanese Ministers of Cabinet Affairs and Water and Irrigation.  

President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Khartoum for three-day working visit to the Sudan on invitation of Gen. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President of the Sudanese Sovereign Council. Asmara, 25 June 2020- President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Khartoum for three-day working visit to the Sudan on invitation of Gen. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President of the Sudanese Sovereign Council. Upon arrival at Khartoum International Airport, President Isaias was accorded warm welcome by Gen. Abdel Fatak al Burhan. In their first meeting today, President Isaias Afwerki and Gen, Abdel Fatah al Burhan reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and regional cooperation since the changes in the Sudan and the region. The two leaders also agreed to bolster joint efforts to advance the ambitious plans of the two countries for bilateral relationship as well as regional integration. The Presidential delegation includes Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab.        

On the invitation of Sudan's President of Sovereign Council, Gen. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President Isaias Afwerki departed to Khartoum at 10:00 a.m. this morning for three-day working visit. Presidential delegation includes Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Pre. Adviser Yemane Gebreab. Asmara, 25 June 2020 -  On the invitation of Sudan's President of Sovereign Council, Gen. Abdel Fatah al Burhan, President Isaias Afwerki departed to Khartoum at 10:00 a.m. this morning for three-day working visit. Presidential delegation includes Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Pre. Adviser Yemane Gebreab.President Isaias Afwerki's current visit to the Sudan will focus on enhancement of bilateral ties as well as consolidation of ongoing endeavours for regional cooperation and integration.  

Owing to the expansion of health institutions and awareness raising campaigns, public knowledge on the importance of vaccination has increased resulting in the rise of vaccination coverage in the Southern Red Sea region. The comment was made by Mr. Humed idris, head of vaccination programs in the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Assab, 23 June 2020 – Owing to the expansion of health institutions and awareness raising campaigns, public knowledge on the importance of vaccination has increased resulting in the rise of vaccination coverage in the Southern Red Sea region. The comment was made by Mr. Humed idris, head of vaccination programs in the Ministry of Health branch in the region. Speaking to Erina, Mr. Humed said that vaccination programs conducted on regular basis in the health institutions of the Southern Red Sea region reached over 95% in the last five months and that the prevalence of communicable diseases has significantly declined. Pointing out that the sub zones only had vaccination storage capacity for one month and the region three months, Mr. Humed said that that all health facilities are equipped with additional refrigerators and that storage capacity of the sub zones and the region rose to three months and six months respectively. Finally, Mr. Humed commended parents for bringing their children to health stations for treatment on regular basis and that attests to the awareness created in the society.

Nationals in Ethiopia, Italy and Australia commemorated Martyrs Day with candle vigil and other programs respecting the guidelines issued to contain the spread of corona virus.   Asmara, 23 June 2020- Nationals in Ethiopia, Italy and Australia commemorated Martyrs Day with candle vigil and other programs respecting the guidelines issued to contain the spread of corona virus. At the event organized in connection with the Martyrs Day, nationals in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane, contributed a total of 16 thousand 855 Dollars to augment Martyrs Trust Fund while nationals in Brisbane pledged to assume responsibility of supporting 4 families of martyrs for two years. Similarly, members of the PFDJ organization in Sydney, Australia assumed the responsibility of supporting 2 families of martyrs for two years and nationals in New Zealand contributed 6 thousand Dollars to bolster the Martyrs Trust Fund. In related news, at a commemoration event organized, nationals in Addis Ababa contributed additional 267 thousand Birr to the effort to fight the spread of corona virus. Likewise, 51 nationals residing in the UK contributed 2 thousand and 720 Pounds to the Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association. Nationals, small business and individuals in Gash Barka, Southern and Central regions extended financial and food items support to disadvantaged families with a view to ease the burden they might encounter due to the ‘Stay at Home’ guideline to combat the spread of corona virus.     

Eritrean nationals in Saudi Arabia, Republic of Sudan and Republic of South Sudan commemorated 20 June, Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. Asmara, 21 June 2020- Eritrean nationals in Saudi Arabia, Republic of Sudan and Republic of South Sudan commemorated 20 June, Martyrs Day with patriotic zeal. According to reports, the nationals commemorated Martyrs Day with candle vigil in their homes respecting the guidelines of their respective countries of residence to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Nationals in Saudi Arabia as part of the support they were extending to families of martyrs, they contributed 46 thousand Riyals in support of 13 families of martyrs. Nationals in Bahrain also contributed 7 thousand Riyals to augment the Martyrs Trust Fund. In the same vein, at the commemoration they conducted in connection with 20 June, Martyrs Day, the Eritrean community in Kassalla, Republic of Sudan, took the responsibility of supporting two families of martyrs, while Eritrean community in the Sudanese Red Sea region, PFDJ organization and the Eritrean Embassy as well as St. Michael and Abune-Aregawi Churches contributed 10 thousand and 800 Sudanese Pound towards augmenting Martyrs Trust Fund and they pledged to take responsibility of supporting five families of martyrs. Similarly, nationals in the Republic of South Sudan also enthusiastically commemorated Martyrs Day. In related news, the social service provision institutions and Government employees in the Southern Red Sea region pledged to support 20 families of martyrs for one year. Indicating that supporting families of martyrs is the responsibility of every citizen, the administrator of Assab sub-zone, Mr. Tesfay Zere said that the nationals have pledged to provide each family of the martyrs 500 Nakfa each for one year. Members of the Youth Workers organization in the Southern Red Sea region have also took the responsibility of supporting 15 families of martyrs for one year.

June 20, Eritrea’s Martyrs Day was commemorated by nationals inside the country and abroad with patriotic zeal. Asmara, 20 June 2020- June 20, Eritrea’s Martyrs Day was commemorated by nationals inside the country and abroad with patriotic zeal. President Isaias Afwerki, in the morning hours of today, 20 June, laid wreath at the Asmara Patriots Cemetery in tribute to the Eritrea’s heroes and heroines that sacrificed their precious lives to the country’s independence and safeguarding the national sovereignty. Similarly, Martyrs Day was commemorated in all regions of the country with putting wreath at their respective Martyrs Cemeteries. Exactly at 1:00 o’clock, a minute of silence in memory of the fallen heroes and heroines was conducted by nationals inside the country and abroad in their homes respecting the guidelines issued to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. On 19 June nationals inside the country and abroad also commemorated Martyrs Day with candle vigil inside their homes. In related news, as part of the Martyrs Day commemoration the remains of 14 heroes who sacrificed their dear lives at the Dekemhare front, Southern region, during the final offensive to liberate the country have been laid to rest in honor at the Dekemhare Patriots Cemetery.

The Edaga-Hamus sub-zone, Central region extended financial support to families of martyrs in connection with 20 June, Martyrs Day. Asmara, 19 June 2020- The Edaga-Hamus sub-zone, Central region extended financial support to families of martyrs in connection with 20 June, Martyrs Day. Expressing appreciation for the support they were provided, the beneficiary families said that the initiative the nationals took attests to the respect and honor the Eritrean people have towards their martyrs. In related news, staff members of the Ministry of Education in the Northern Red Sea region extended financial support to 5 families of martyrs. The martyrs’ families were provided with 6000 Nakfa each. Indicating that supporting the families of martyrs is the responsibility of every citizen, the staff members said that the initiative they took gives them spiritual satisfaction and called on others to follow their noble example.Commending the initiative the members of the Ministry of Education branch took to support the families of martyrs, Mr. Reshid Mohammed-Osman, head of the branch office in the region, called for transferring the noble value to posterity. The beneficiary families also expressed appreciation for the support they were provided. Similarly, residents of four administrative areas in Adi-Keih sub-zone, Southern region and government workers in Hagaz sub-zone, Anseba region, extended financial support to families of martyrs in connection with 20 June, Martyrs Day.

Message of the Ministry of Agriculture in connection with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Message of the Ministry of Agriculture in connection with The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought June 17, 2020   According to a statistical report of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD),•    Today, more than two billion hectares of previously productive land is degraded.•    Over 70 per cent of natural ecosystems are affected by human use. By 2050, this could reach 90 per cent, unless we change.•    By 2030, food production will require an additional 300 million hectares of land.•    By 2030, the fashion industry is predicted to use 35 per cent more land – which is over 115 million hectares.•    Clothing and footwear production causes 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure predicted to rise almost 50 per cent by 2030.•    Dietary change can free up between 80 and 240 million hectares of land. Eliminating waste can free up land used to produce 1.3 billion tons of food, which has a footprint of 1.4 billion hectares.Therefore, this year’s theme “Food, Feed, Fibre” draws attention to the link between production, consumption, and land.•    The focus is raising awareness and changing public attitudes that humanity’s relentless production and consumption is a leading driver of desertification and land degradation, meaning the decisions we make as individuals matter.•    There is far greater demand for land to provide food, animal feed and fibre for clothing to support growing populations, human’s changing lifestyles and consumer behaviour. Meanwhile, the health and productivity of existing arable land is declining, worsened by climate change.•    The consumption of food, feed, fibre is also contributing to climate change, with around a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions coming from agriculture, forestry and other land use. This rises to about a third of the emissions when you add the costs in the entire supply chain.•    Simple changes in diet and behaviours – such as cutting food waste, buying from local markets and swapping clothes instead of always buying new – can free up land for other uses, lower carbon emissions and improve our quality of life.•    In our globalized world, the food we eat, and the clothes we wear impact land thousands of miles away but every one of us can protect the land by making simple changes in our lives. We can support community resilience, maintain the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services and contribute to reducing the impact on global poverty and food insecurity, made worse by recurring disasters and diseases like the COVID-19.•    To build back better from COVID-19, we must create a new social contract for nature. If we chose to work in harmony with nature, we will avoid waste and future land degradation, we will reduce carbon emissions and reverse biodiversity loss.•    Land is part of the solution to deliver on targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals; scaling land restoration and nature-based solutions bring multiple co-benefits.•    UNCCD parties have earmarked degrading areas for restoration by 2030 to ensure land conversion to meet the global demand for food needed by 2050 is necessary.Eritrea’s contextSince most of Eritrean people depend on Agriculture for livelihood, land is a centre of gravity for most of our policies. For this reason, the Government of Eritrea has been working prudently to improve land productivity and minimizing land degradation. On and off farm Soil and water conservation programs; construction of different kinds of water reservoirs as well as launching the Greening Campaign are among major initiatives of the government of Eritrea towards restoring degraded land and thereby improving land productivity. However, Eritrea’s natural location makes it prone to adverse effects of drought and desertification. This natural challenge is also aggravated by various man made interferences like tree cutting for fire wood and agricultural expansion; overgrazing and so on.In order to mitigate the effects of drought and desertification in Eritrea, the following focus areas are reinforced;-    Promoting community based activities to improve land productivity-    Harvesting water, from all kinds of sources, for its best use in improving agricultural productivity-    Introducing sustainable alternative energy sources to minimize tree cutting-    Raising awareness of the public on environment conservation in general and on soil fertility conservation in particular-    Fostering international and regional engagements through pragmatic initiativesCurrently, the world is suffering from the catastrophic effects of COVID-19. Food and Nutrition are also obviously affected by this pandemic. Hence, to mitigate effects of this pandemic in food supply, we need to reinforce the ongoing efforts of agricultural development programs, in coherence with COVID-19 control guidelines, through active participation of the general public and relevant sectors.The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought – is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.Ministry of AgricultureJune 17, 2020Asmara

According to report from the Ministry of Health, Eritrean nationals inside the country and abroad contributed about 600 thousand Nakfa and over 16 thousand Dollars to the effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Asmara, 06 June 2020- According to report from the Ministry of Health, Eritrean nationals inside the country and abroad contributed about 600 thousand Nakfa and over 16 thousand Dollars to the effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, ‘Zaer’ Private Company contributed 364 thousand and 356 Nakfa, Colluli Mining Company 46 thousand and 570 Nakfa, ‘Alfa’ Mining Company 3 thousand Dollars, ‘Andiamo’ Mining Company 3 thousand Dollars, Eritrean Embassy in Washington 10 thousand Dollars, European Union office in Eritrea 29 thousand Nakfa and Gash Barka administration, vegetables and fruits farmers in Kerkebet and Forto-Sawa contributed a total of 158 thousand and 247 Nakfa. Small businesses in the Central region contributed a total of 54 thousand Nakfa while cooperative associations and small businesses in Gash Barka and Southern region contributed 594 thousand and471 Nakfa and other individual nationals 8 thousand and 200 Dollars.

The Governor of the Anseba region, Ambassador Abdella Musa conducted tour of inspection on 5 June to the development sites and social service provision institutions in the Elaberet sub-zone. Keren, 06 June 2020- The Governor of the Anseba region, Ambassador Abdella Musa conducted tour of inspection on 5 June to the development sites and social service provision institutions in the Elaberet sub-zone. The development sites and social service provision institutions that Ambassador Abdella visited included the dams, micro-dams educational and health facilities as well as Elaberet Agricultural project and others and he was provided briefings by concerned bodies. In Eleberet sub-zone there are seven dams and micro-dams with capacity of holding from 600 to 200 thousand meter cube of water and the study to construct one additional dam that could cultivate 160 hectares of land has been finalized. According to the document from the sub-zone, in Elaberet sub-zone there are one community hospital, 4 health stations as well as 12 community kindergartens, 24 elementary, 10 Junior and 4 high schools.

The Ministry of Land, Water and Environment called for reinforced water, soil and environmental conservation. The call was made in connection with 5 June World Environment Day. Asmara, 05 June 2020- The Ministry of Land, Water and Environment called for reinforced water, soil and environmental conservation. The call was made in connection with 5 June World Environment Day. The World Environment Day is being observed for the 47th time under the theme “Conservation and Development of Bio-Diversity” at a time of corona virus pandemic that is taking hundreds of thousands of lives throughout the world. Indicating that the food we drink, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable comes from nature, the statement released by the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment pointed out that despite all the benefits that we receive from the planet humans are being observed to mistreat it and that is causing environmental imbalance and degradation of bio-diversity and as a result endangering the lives of humans. The Ministry further said that according to the study conducted, from the 8 million animal and plant species world wide and from the so far identified 3062 in Eritrea, 31% are on the verge of extinction and called for integrated effort for redressing the environment with a view to transfer it to posterity.

Contribution by nationals towards the fight to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic is stepping up. Asmara, 03 June 2020- Contribution by nationals towards the fight to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic is stepping up. According to report, staff members of the PFDJ Central Office and branches contributed a total of 795 thousand and 212 Nakfa, staff members of the PFDJ of Southern region 139 thousand and 791 Nakfa, staff members of PFDJ of Anseba region 121 thousand and 931 Nakfa, staff members of PFDJ of the Northern Red Sea region 121 thousand and 281 Nakfa, staff members of PFDJ of Gash Barka region 106 thousand 733 Nakfa, staff members of PFDJ of Southern Red Sea region 33 thousand and 261 Nakfa and staff members of PFDJ Foreign Affairs 23 thousand and 555 Nakfa. Similarly, staff members and teachers of Airiri School contributed 76 thousand and 953 Nakfa, and two administrative areas in Dekemhare sub-zone and a number of small businesses, cooperative associations and individuals in the Central region contributed a total of 54 thousand and 439 Nakfa. In related news,  a number of administrative areas in Dekemhare sub-zone and the Eritrean National War-Disabled Veterans’ Association extended food items and cleaning materials to disadvantaged citizens while national inside the country and abroad decided that the families renting their houses to live free of charge ranging from two to six months.

Nationals residing in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands enthusiastically celebrated the 29th Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Resilience and Progress”. Asmara, 30 May 2020- Nationals residing in Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands enthusiastically celebrated the 29th Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Resilience and Progress”. According to report, Eritrean nationals in Toronto, Canada, celebrated the Independence Day anniversary by waving the Eritrean flag in the streets of the city respecting the guidelines of social distancing and gathering.Nationals in Brussels, Belgium also celebrated the 29th Independence Day with patriotic zeal. Congratulating the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces, Mr. Negassi Kassa, Eritrean Ambassador to the European Union, said that the celebrations the Eritrean people conducted across the world attests to the love they have to their country and people. Nationals in the Netherlands also celebrated the Independence Day anniversary through the social media outlets. Mr. Solomon Mehari, Eritrean Consul in the Netherlands commending the organizers of the program, called on nationals to strengthen contribution to the effort the people and Government of Eritrea are exerting to fight the spread of the corona virus pandemic.

According to report from the Ministry of Health, Eritrean nationals working at the Israel Embassy contributed 16 thousand Nakfa, BISELEX Eritrea P.L.C 10 thousand Nakfa, and other social service provision institutions contributed 16 thousand Nakfa. Asmara, 28 May 2020- According to report from the Ministry of Health, Eritrean nationals working at the Israel Embassy contributed 16 thousand Nakfa, BISELEX Eritrea P.L.C 10 thousand Nakfa, and other social service provision institutions contributed 16 thousand Nakfa. Similarly, a number of administrative areas and cooperative associations in the Central region contributed a total of 75 thousand and 151 Nakfa. Small business and individuals in Asmara also contributed a total of 108 thousand and 200 Nakfa. Likewise, residents of a number of administrative areas in the Southern region extended financial and material support to disadvantaged families in their respective areas. In related news a number of nationals inside the country and abroad decided that the families renting their houses to live free of charge ranging from two to four months.