HoA-REC tries to as much as possible to integrate environmental sub-sectors in its geographic focus areas, to strengthen environmental management, especially:

• Promotion and stimulation of the development of sustainable energy

  Sustainable or renewable energy is currently still very much under utilised in almost the whole of the Horn of Africa Region. The Centre and Network especially tries to stimulate and facilitate the development of: hydro-power (especially micro- and pico-systems), solar power, wind power, biogas and other biomass energy production. The increased use of renewable energy resources will prevent further deforestation and a decrease in soil fertility in the region.

• Promotion and stimulation of the development of high value chains of sustainable products

  In order to create alternative income generating options and thereby decrease pressure on natural resources in the region, the development of high value chains of sustainable products will be stimulated and facilitated as much as possible. Examples of sustainable products/services are: eco(sustainable)-tourism, (organic) medicinal plant products, fish farming. Currently a representative of HoA-REC is involved in the development of the so-called “Ring of Lakes” tour, a potential tourism route covering some of the Central Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia.
  

• Promotion of clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

  Through the promotion of WASH, many diseases can be easily prevented. An improved WASH situation can also positively impact the development of tourism in the region, when more and better facilities become available.

• Prevention of pollution

  Many areas in the region are heavily polluted, especially cities and towns. Water supply and sewerage systems are often poorly functioning and not covering all residential areas. Especially industries and horticulturalists/floriculturalists are heavy polluters of rivers, lakes and groundwater. In most cities and towns, solid waste collection and disposal is not yet properly developed and managed.