The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with the Ministries of Land and Environment and the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) have conducted a joint inter-ministerial monitoring exercise regarding the massive encroachment on the Aberdeen Ramsar site.
Aberdeen Ramsar site is a designated wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The site is recognized for its ecological significance and the diverse range of flora and fauna it supports. The encroachment on such a site would be a matter of concern, requiring immediate attention and intervention from relevant authorities.
A joint inter-ministerial monitoring on the Aberdeen Ramsar site involving the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Environment, and the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) indicates a coordinated effort to address the issue of encroachment. This approach suggests that multiple government departments are collaborating to assess the situation, evaluate the extent of encroachment, and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate and prevent further damage to the Ramsar site.
The Ministry of Tourism may be involved due to the potential impact of encroachment on the tourism industry, as the Aberdeen Ramsar site likely attracts visitors interested in its natural beauty and biodiversity. The Ministry of Lands may participate to assess land ownership and property rights within the Ramsar site boundaries, while the Ministry of Environment would contribute its expertise in environmental protection and conservation. The NPAA, as the responsible authority for managing protected areas, would likely play a crucial role in coordinating efforts on the ground and enforcing regulations to protect the Ramsar site.
The joint inter-ministerial monitoring effort suggests a recognition of the seriousness of the situation and a commitment to taking action. The specific activities carried out by this group would depend on the findings of their assessment. Possible actions could include, conducting on-site inspections and surveys to determine the extent of encroachment and identify affected areas, engaging with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the site’s importance and the consequences of encroachment, developing and implementing measures to prevent further encroachment, such as establishing buffer zones, implementing zoning regulations, or strengthening enforcement of existing laws and regulations, rehabilitating and restoring affected areas through habitat restoration projects, reforestation, or other appropriate restoration activities and enhancing monitoring and surveillance mechanisms to detect and respond to any future encroachment.
It is important to note that the specific actions taken would depend on the local context, legal frameworks, available resources, and the severity of the encroachment. The joint inter-ministerial
monitoring effort demonstrates a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue comprehensively and improve the chances of successful conservation and protection of the Aberdeen Ramsar site.
MTCA Communications
