Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project

council set to assist the management development of fisheries). A declaration of a protected area may prohibit or restrict fishing; dredging or taking
any sand or gravel; or otherwise destroy or disturb the natural habitat with in such area (Proc.104/98 art. 13).
The Ministry of Fisheries is further provided to participate in environmental protection issues through the powers vested on it to license fishing vessels
and reserving areas for Eritrean citizens and national vessels (Proc.104/98 art. 18 & 49). It can also set conditions to the type and method of fishing or
related activities, the allowed areas, the target species, the amount to be collected, including any restrictions (such as size limit), the period (opening
and closure) and measures to facilitate enforcement of this Proclamation (Proc.104/98 art.12). This further strengthens the Ministry’s role on protection
of the marine resources.
It may be important to point out at this stage, however, that there is lack of clarity with respect to integration of the responsibilities of the Ministry of
Fisheries with other government sectors (for example the Ministry of Agriculture; the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment and the Directorate of
Cultural Heritage), which in one way or another are involved in sustainable management and in particular protected area. So the potential for overlap
and duplication of efforts appears to be imminent. In addition the mechanism of the creation of protected species and protected areas is not fully
described. Without a formal procedure this part of the legislation may be difficult to put in practice.
During 2005 and 2006, the Ministry of Fisheries has formulated a Fisheries Management Plan with FAO. This Plan is intended to define the
mechanisms for sustainable fisheries.
3.2 Agriculture and Environmental Issues
The following legislations on agriculture have relevance of varying degree to the coastal area development and protection.
Forestry and Wildlife Conservation and Development Proclamation, No 115/2006; Regulations for the Issuance of Forestry Permits, Legal Notice 111, 2006;
Regulations for the Issuance of Wildlife Permits, Legal Notice 112/2006; Draft CITES Implementing Legislation, 2005
The Forestry and Wildlife Conservation and Development Proclamation, No 115/2006 provides, among other things, for the establishment of protected
areas (FWCDP: art. 16) national action plan for forestry and wildlife resources (art. 10); management plans protected areas and riverine forest areas,
among others, which may include water shed management, as well as a permit system for sustainable utilization of these resources; further detailed in
the two regulations. The proclamation accentuates the need for public participation and requires solicitation of public input in the preparation and
revision of the national action plan; management plans and pertinent regulations. (art 15). As a way of ensuring integration, the Proclamation further
establishes the forestry and wildlife advisory board, composed of public and private actors.
State of the Coast Eritrea, 2006-2007 14