Socotra/ Desert Sky
An event celebrating World Environment Day 2026 was held at the Farmhin Forest Reserve in the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, under the theme "Protecting the Dragon's Blood Forests and Confronting Climate Change." The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Governor of the Socotra Archipelago Governorate, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and supervised by the General Authority for Environmental Protection, in coordination with the Social Affairs and Labor Office, and implemented by the Socotra Foundation for Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development and the Socotra Wildlife Association.
In his address at the event, Mr. Salem Hawash, Director General of the General Authority for Environmental Protection in Socotra, emphasized the importance of celebrating World Environment Day in raising environmental awareness and establishing a culture of preserving natural resources. He noted that the Socotra Archipelago is one of the most prominent World Natural Heritage sites, and that protecting its unique environment is a collective responsibility requiring the concerted efforts of various entities and local communities to preserve this human and natural heritage.
For his part, FAO Project Coordinator in Socotra, Engineer Abdulwahab Saad, reviewed the role of the Resilient and Sustainable Livelihoods Project in supporting environmental activities, enhancing efforts to protect natural resources, contributing to adaptation to the effects of climate change, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The event included a campaign to plant 50 Dragon's Blood Tree saplings within the Farmhin Forest Reserve, as part of efforts to protect this rare plant species and promote the sustainability of the archipelago's vegetation cover.
The event also featured several awareness lectures. Dr. Ahmed Abdullah delivered a lecture on the importance of sustainable tourism and mechanisms for engaging youth and local communities in its projects, while Dr. Ahmed Al-Rumaili discussed the role of authentic Socotri customs and traditions in protecting biodiversity and conserving natural resources.
A number of officials, environmental stakeholders, and representatives of civil society organizations attended the event, emphasizing the importance of continuing joint efforts to preserve the Socotri environment and address the climate challenges that threaten the archipelago's unique ecosystems.
