A ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) represented by its Executive Secretary, Mr Nabil Ben Khatra, Benin (represented by CENAGREF and the weather service), Burkina Faso (Office National des Aires Protégées - OFINAP and the weather service), and Niger (Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts and the weather service) was held today at the Organization's headquarters in Tunis.
This Memorandum of Understanding highlights the firm commitment of member states to actively collaborate in the implementation of a Multi-Risk Early Warning System (MR-EWS) within the WAP Complex. This innovative system is designed to strengthen member countries' collective response to environmental threats and reduce their potential impact on communities, wildlife and ecosystems.
Among the key elements, the protocol highlights the sharing of data on environmental conditions, meteorology and wildlife activities within the WAP Complex. The aim is to promote the exchange of accurate and timely information, enabling rapid response and informed decision-making.
MR-EWS, specifically dedicated to the WAP Complex located on the borders of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, aims to mitigate environmental risks such as floods, droughts and wildfires. This ecologically diverse and strategically vital region requires a unified approach to preventing and mitigating these threats for the benefit of riparian populations.
The member states are also committed to strengthening their capacity to operate SAP-MR effectively, while working together to continually improve the system's capabilities over time. This collaboration demonstrates a shared determination to work towards a more resilient and sustainable environment.
With the signing of this protocol, the countries of the WAP Complex are ushering in a new era of environmental cooperation.