The President of Jubbaland State, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, officially inaugurated the Environmental and Climate Change Conference on Monday in the coastal city of Kismayo.

The summit, organized by the Jubbaland Ministry of Environment, brought together regional officials, environmental experts, and community leaders to address the growing climate crisis in the region.

In his keynote address, President Madobe issued a stark warning about the increasing threats facing Jubbaland’s environment.

He highlighted illegal settlements, rampant deforestation, widespread charcoal production, and unregulated water drilling as critical issues undermining the region’s ecological stability.

“The environment is under siege,” President Madobe stated. “If we do not act collectively and immediately, the damage will be irreversible. We must end the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources and work together to protect our future.”

The President called for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and greater collaboration among communities, regional authorities, and international partners.

He emphasized the need for sustainable land management practices, reforestation efforts, and responsible water resource development.

The Kismayo summit aims to develop a regional action plan to tackle environmental challenges while strengthening climate resilience in Jubbaland.

The conference comes at a time when Somalia faces increasing climate shocks, including droughts, floods, and desertification, which have severely impacted livelihoods and food security across the country.

The event is seen as a significant step in mobilizing political will and public awareness toward environmental protection in Somalia’s southern regions.