Resource information
The review focuses on development and
the environment in Yemen, particularly analyzing the
environment resource base, where renewable fresh water is
scarce, mainly ground water, and its over exploitation is
one of the country's major environmental problems.
Fisheries resources are also important, while oil and gas
are significant resources contributing to some eighty five
percent of Yemen's export revenues. Environmental
problems are caused fundamentally due to: population growth;
poverty; and institutional weaknesses. Main issues discussed
include water depletion, pollution and supply; land, and
habitat degradation, in addition to soil erosion; and, loss
of biodiversity, mostly resulting from poor management of
water and eco-tourism. Waste water and solid waste
management, including hazardous waste and pesticide
management, are outlined as serious environmental problems,
requiring immediate appropriate disposal. Priority actions
of the national environment action plan identify the need
for institutional capacity building regarding environmental
management, to include local pilot programs, as well as
disaster preparedness at Aden, and Hodeidah ports concerning
oil spills. Likewise, the water resources authority should
be strengthened, to include the development of water
resources information systems, and a comprehensive Water
Law. Land use planning should be established to promote land
zoning, and registration; a desertification control program
should be implemented, and grazing reserves, and pest
management techniques promoted. It is suggested waste
management would be improved through privatization of solid
waste collection, of water treatment, and of disposal of
hazardous wastes, while the regulation of hospital waste
disposal, should undergo pilot testing.
