UN agency launches push to help African nomads preserve environment

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) announced on Tuesday the launch of a multi-million dollar project to help nomads and communities in three African countries boost the prospects for native flowers, shrubs and trees.

It aims to educate local people, students and scientists in land management and indigenous species conservation, with the overall goal of cutting poverty and improving livelihoods.

Ultimately, UNEP said, the project will evolve into an African Centre for Arid Land Studies and Development, where new knowledge can be communicated to those living in similar, often degraded, environments. In addition to receiving $9 million from the GEF, the project has benefited from over $1 million contributed by Norway.