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ABOUT US

Building a sustainable tomorrow today... 

As global challenges intensify, communities are uniting to combat climate change and its effects on our planet. Pollution of ocean and continental waters, atmospheric pollution, erosion of biodiversity, uncontrolled urbanization, the advancement of biotechnologies and the trivialization of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the degradation of the ozone layer, climate change and desertification are all major environmental challenges that the modern world must address in order to continue its development in a more sustainable way.


The Republic of Djibouti has become aware of the challenges linked to more rational management of its natural resources, and has integrated environmental protection as a priority in its national development policy.


Unfortunately, despite strong political will and great determination on the part of the stakeholders concerned, the threats to the environment are very real and endanger our natural resources and, ultimately, the well-being of our populations.


The government, through the action of the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and the Environment, has therefore decided to implement a coherent, dynamic and proactive national strategy to meet the country's priority environmental needs. To do this, various reference documents have been developed by the Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development (DEDD) such as the National Action Plan for the Environment, the National Monograph for Biological Diversity, the National Strategy and Action Program for Biological Diversity, the Initial National Communication on Climate Change, the National Program for Adaptation to Climate Change, to name a few.


Similarly, a legal framework for environmental protection has been put in place with the adoption by the government of several legislative and regulatory texts: the Environmental Code, law establishing protected areas, decree establishing the impact study procedure, decree protecting biodiversity, decree regulating the transport of dangerous products, decree regulating substances that deplete the ozone layer.


Furthermore, the holding of awareness-raising workshops and/or seminars, public information and training of stakeholders demonstrate the significant efforts made by the Ministry of the Environment in terms of raising awareness of environmental preservation.


However, environmental protection is everyone's business. In a world that has become a global village, it is our duty to protect it from human actions that could harm the stability of the environmental balance so that the Republic of Djibouti can develop in a harmonious and sustainable manner.


To learn more, I invite you to visit our website at the Internet address http://www.environnement.dj . This site was designed as a place of exchange, a crossroads allowing meetings between people, governments, institutions, development partners, businesses and civil society who wish to actively engage with us in the preservation of our environmental heritage.


Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem


Discover our initiatives

Transforming our Country & planet is achievable. In Djibouti We’ve made strides before. 

Our Mission

The Republic of Djibouti is vulnerable to climate change-induced risks such as floods, droughts and sea level rise. These risks result in water unavailability, soil erosion and damage to infrastructure. The impacts of these risks are particularly detrimental to Djibouti's water, agriculture and public health sectors.


Djibouti also faces several threats related to human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation (acacias and mangroves), inappropriate agricultural practices and the use of wood fuels such as charcoal and firewood. All of these aforementioned activities lead to the degradation of ecosystems.


It is with the aim of strengthening the resilience of communities most vulnerable to the effects of climate change that the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Environment received funding from the GEF through UNEP for the execution of the project entitled; "Implementation of Adaptation Technologies in the Fragile Ecosystems of the Tadjourah and Hanlé Plains". The main objective of the project is to implement climate change adaptation measures to protect and increase the resilience of local communities, livelihoods and ecosystems in the Tadjourah and Hanlé regions.


His Excellency Ismaïl Omar Guelleh

Président de la République de Djibouti, S.E.M.


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MINISTERS IN CHARGE

Hon. MOHAMED ABDOULKADER MOUSSA HELEM

Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development


Mohamed Abdoulkader Moussa Helem is the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Djibouti, a role he has held since 2021. With a background in environmental science and public policy, Helem has been at the forefront of Djibouti's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. He is actively engaged in promoting solar, wind, and geothermal projects, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and enhance its resilience to climate-related impacts. His leadership has also driven the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation into Djibouti's national development plans.


Helem represents Djibouti in various multilateral environmental forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Conference of the Parties (COP). Through his initiatives, Helem continues to shape Djibouti’s environmental policies and its contribution to global sustainability goals, with a particular focus on addressing the vulnerabilities posed by the region’s harsh climate and the challenges of rapid urbanization.

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Hon. SEM ILYAS MOUSSA DAWALEH

Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry  

Minister Dawaleh has been pivotal in Djibouti's economic development since the launch of Vision 2035 in 2014, the nation's first comprehensive economic strategy. He initially focused on leveraging Djibouti’s strategic position to establish the country as a critical global trade hub through its ports. As the economic landscape evolved, his focus shifted towards diversification, enhancing human capital, and exploring new sectors such as digital technology, the blue economy, and sustainable energy.



Minister Dawaleh's efforts have elevated Djibouti from Low-Income to Low-Middle-Income status, strengthening its reputation as Ethiopia’s preferred trade gateway. Beyond domestic achievements, he represents Djibouti internationally, playing a key role in securing foreign partnerships and negotiating terms for foreign military bases. His contributions continue to shape Djibouti's economic future. Earlier in his career, Minister Dawaleh was also the chief operating officer of the Port of Djibouti.

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Hon. MOHAMED AHMED AWALEH

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, & Fisheries

Mohamed Ahmed Awaleh is the Minister for Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, Livestock, and Halieutic Resources of Djibouti. Awaleh has focused on improving food security, water access, and sustainable fisheries development in Djibouti. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing agricultural initiatives that address the challenges of water scarcity and arid conditions. Awaleh has also worked on enhancing livestock productivity and promoting sustainable fishing practices.


Minister Awaleh has prioritized policies that integrate modern technologies, such as irrigation systems and renewable energy sources, into agricultural and water management practices. His work also emphasizes the sustainable use of marine resources, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity while promoting economic growth through fisheries.

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Hon.  YONIS ALI GUEDI

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

Yonis Ali Guedi is the Minister of Energy, in charge of Natural Resources for Djibouti, a position he has held since 2021. With a deep commitment to advancing Djibouti's energy security and sustainability, Guedi has been instrumental in driving the nation’s energy diversification strategy. His portfolio includes overseeing the development of renewable energy projects, such as geothermal, solar, and wind, which are critical to Djibouti’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2030. Under his leadership, Djibouti has strengthened its partnerships with international investors and technical experts to harness the country’s abundant renewable resources, particularly geothermal energy, given the country's unique position within the East African Rift Valley.


Guedi represents Djibouti in key energy and resource management forums. His leadership has seen the launch of several major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing energy access for both urban and rural populations. His ministry works closely with the private sector and international development organizations to secure funding and expertise for these projects, ensuring that Djibouti can meet its growing energy demands while contributing to global climate goals.


Hon.  Mohamed Warsama Dirieh.

Minister of Trade and Tourism the Republic of Djibouti


HE Mr. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh has made a career as a senior civil servant within the Ministry of Education.

He began his professional career in 1996 within the Ministry of National Education as an executive in the personnel and equipment department. From 1996 to 2003, he was an executive in the Human Resources Department. From 2003 to 2007, he was a teacher at the Industrial and Commercial High School of Djibouti.


In 2013, Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh became financial director of Ministry of National Education. On 2019 Mr Mohamed Warsama Dirieh became the Health Minister.


In 2021 to this date he is the Minister of Trade and Tourism. He is married and father of 6 children.


Hon. Hassan Houmed Ibrahim 

Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment

Hassan Houmed Ibrahim is the Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment of Djibouti, responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of the country’s critical infrastructure. With a background in civil engineering and public works, Ibrahim has been a central figure in shaping Djibouti’s infrastructure projects, including road networks, public buildings, and transportation systems. 


He has been instrumental in implementing major infrastructure projects that support economic growth and connectivity, including upgrades to ports, roads, and public transport. His ministry emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices into construction and development, aligning with Djibouti’s goals of reducing environmental impact and building resilience against climate change. Through his efforts, Djibouti aims to strengthen its infrastructure to improve living standards and support regional trade and economic competitiveness.


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Hon.  Mariam Hamadou Ali

Delegate Minister in charge of Digital Economy and Innovation 


Mariam Hamadou Ali is the Delegate Minister in charge of Digital Economy and Innovation for Djibouti, a role she has held since 2021. With a strong background in technology and public policy, Ali is leading Djibouti’s digital transformation strategy, focusing on integrating innovation and technology into all sectors of the economy. She is a key advocate for expanding access to digital services, particularly in education, healthcare, and government services, with the goal of fostering economic growth and improving public service delivery.


Madam Ali actively represents Djibouti in global digital economy forums, such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Her ministry has been instrumental in forging partnerships with international tech companies and development agencies to advance digital innovation in Djibouti. Ali’s initiatives are aligned with Djibouti’s Vision 2035, which prioritizes digital transformation as a key driver of economic diversification and modernization.



Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi

Chairman of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority 

Mr Aboubaker Omar Hadi holds degrees from Le Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Le Havre, France, on Ports & Multimodal Transport and the World Maritime University of Sweden, Master on Ports & Shipping Administration. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Transport UK.


Mr Hadi is also the Chairman of Djibouti Ports Corridor Roads, Air Djibouti, Red Sea Power, Djibouti Ship Repair Yard, Djibouti Ports Community Systems, Port of Djibouti-Doraleh Multipurpose Port, Société de Gestion du Terminal à Containers de Doraleh SGTD, Djibouti International Free Trade Zone.