Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project
Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project
Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project
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stereotypic occupation reserved only for men. By the culture of all tribes, women are not allowed to engage in fishing except to collect nails <strong>and</strong> shells<br />
in collection areas adjacent to their residences.<br />
2.2. Fresh Water Resources<br />
Diverse climatologic, topographic, <strong>and</strong> geologic features characterize the hydrology <strong>and</strong> the hydrogeology of the eastern escarpment <strong>and</strong> the coastal<br />
plains.<br />
Climatologic factors such as temperature, rainfall, <strong>and</strong> humidity directly affect the rate at which water enters <strong>and</strong> leaves the river systems that flow to<br />
the coast <strong>and</strong> to the groundwater basins <strong>and</strong> aquifers located along the coast. The average rainfall is very low along the coast, from 100 to 200 mm<br />
every year. This is far below the limit of 600-700 mm which is usually considered to be necessary to cause a substantial recharge of groundwater in<br />
this hot climate. Therefore, fresh groundwater is found only underneath the larger ephemeral rivers crossing the coastal plain, also known as wadis.<br />
There is no comprehensive study on the groundwater <strong>and</strong> surface water resources <strong>and</strong> the development potential for the coastal plains of Eritrea. Only<br />
localized hydro-geological <strong>and</strong> geophysical characterization of aquifers, which are commonly done for the purpose of identifying groundwater sources<br />
for community water supply projects are available <strong>and</strong> their coverage is very limited to describe the coastal groundwater sources.<br />
In relation with water, the coast can be divided in four domains:<br />
- The main cities of Massawa <strong>and</strong> Assab<br />
- The coastal zone North of Buri Peninsula<br />
- The coastal zone South of Buri Peninsula<br />
- The isl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
2.2.1. The main cities of Massawa <strong>and</strong> Assab<br />
The two port cities, Massawa <strong>and</strong> Assab get their water supply from boreholes <strong>and</strong> dug wells located within the wadi channel aquifers of east flowing<br />
wadis. Massawa has additional water supply from the desalination plant attached to the Hirgigo power plant with a capacity of 1000m³ per day. This<br />
facility is now under the responsibility of the Massawa Free Trade Zone.<br />
2.2.2. The coastal zone north of the Buri Peninsula<br />
State of the Coast Eritrea, 2006-2007 8
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