The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the British Embassy in Mogadishu on 7 December signed the Restoring the Riverine Eco-Systems for Climate Adaptations (RESTORE) project to be implemented by FAO, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Vision International-Somalia in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and State Government.

RESTORE is part of the Jowhar Offstream Storage Programme (JOSP), a 140 million USD programme that seeks to rehabilitate a large irrigation scheme aiming to reduce flood risk and mitigate drought in two regions in Hirshabelle State targeting 1.5 million people.

The overall objective of the UK-funded RESTORE project is to promote climate conflict natural and water resources management approach to reduce poverty, ensure household food security, reduce tensions over natural resources and increase resilience of communities at-risk of the impacts of climate change.

With financing from the British Embassy, Mogadishu, the RESTORE contribution will support the restoration of productive and protective infrastructure, promoting Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and climate resilient approaches fostering effective and accountable governance for sustainable natural resource management in the JOSP command area.

Speaking at the launch of the project, British Embassy Mogadishu Development Director, Damon Bristow, said:

“This new project shows the UK’s ongoing commitment to support those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“Working with FAO and other partners, the RESTORE programme will provide Somali communities with the tools and information to better manage precious resources such as water, building resilience to climate shocks. The UK is continuing to strengthen its partnership with Somalia and its people, improving lives and livelihoods.”

Increasingly frequent climate-induced shocks such as flooding, and drought threaten lives and livelihoods in Somalia. To address these needs, transformative solutions must be identified and implemented. JOSP and RESTORE represent the first such initiatives in Somalia, seeking to sustainably address the underlying drivers of vulnerability promoting a shift towards sustainable production and self-sufficiency, while supporting peace, stability, and social cohesion in areas impacted by conflict.

FAO Representative in Somalia, Etienne Peterschmitt, said of the RESTORE project:

“The timely and generous support of the UK represents a catalytic investment for the JOSP programme, expected to directly benefit approximately 1.5 million beneficiaries across five districts in Hirshabelle once the core JOSP infrastructure is restored and functional. This will substantially reduce flood risk, mitigate drought, support local production, and boost food security for millions of populations vulnerable to recurring shocks and crises.’’