Environment in Eritrea

Eritrea’s natural environment supports pastoralism, farming, fisheries, fuelwood collection, wildlife and tourism. The country contains sharply contrasting areas, including the Danakil Depression, the Red Sea coast, the Eastern Escarpment, highland forests, western lowlands and riverine systems. These ecosystems face pressure from drought, overgrazing, habitat loss, overfishing and coral bleaching. Nature protection includes policies, local closures and proposed protected areas, while a fully operational national protected-area system is not evidenced. Everyday environmental conditions depend strongly on where people live. Urban and rural settlements can differ in access to electricity, water, sanitation, waste collection, green space and safe public facilities. Drought and unreliable water supplies affect households, farming and livestock, while air pollution and limited access to clean cooking options affect health and indoor living conditions. Local administrations, municipalities, utilities, communities and national ministries share responsibility for different services and environmental measures. Asmara also contains protected public and heritage spaces, which connect environmental conditions with the preservation of the city’s distinctive urban setting.