SCI 219 8-1 Discussion What Does the Future Hold
Ashley Allen
Southern New Hampshire University
One country that is now experiencing significant environmental deterioration is the state of
Eritrea. According to the United Nations, the State of Eritrea is home to about 5 million people,
including some of the poorest people in Africa. Eritrea's economic devastation is linked to the
country's unpredictable weather patterns and ongoing civil conflict (BBC, 2023). This country's
economy, which is situated in the eastern Horn of Africa, is mostly dependent on agriculture.
resulting in problems with the ecosystem like overgrazing and deforestation. Much land has been
lost due to soil erosion caused by these environmental problems, and as a result, certain areas
have become deserts (Independent Evaluation Office Global Environment Facility, 2014).
Deterioration of the environment is a consequence of several factors, including the temperature
and weather as well as specific human activities. Eritrea's climate is unpredictable, with extended
stretches of drought followed by sudden floods and a rise in sea level brought on by global
warming. These indirect causes collectively contribute to the deterioration of the environment in
Eritrea. As a result of the population's disproportionate reliance on the forest cover for farming,
construction, and firewood, Eritrea's vegetation and forest resources are seriously threatened
(Convention on Biological Diversity, 2015). Many trees, including Balanites aegyptiaca,
Faidherbia albida, and Terminalia brownii, are used to make hay during the dry season
(Convention on Biological Diversity, 2015). Other trees are also abused since they are used to
make gums and fragrances.
References:
BBC. (2023, January 13). Eritrea country profile. BBC News. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13349078
Independent Evaluation Office Global Environment Facility. (2014, December). Gef Country
Portfolio Evaluation: Eritrea (1992–2012) - world bank. Retrieved February 23, 2023, from
https://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/522861468188333286/pdf/99357-WP-
Box393198B-PUBLIC-GEF-Country-Portfolio-Evaluation-CPE-Eriteria.pdf
Convention on Biological Diversity. (2015, November). Revised National Biodiversity Strategy
and Action Plan for Eritrea (2014-2020). Retrieved February 23, 2023, from
https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/er/er-nbsap-v2-en.pdf
