Somaliland's marine resources featured in a new documentary, May 10 2008 at 6.26 PM

Project name: Sealife Somaliland

Location : Sahil region ,Awdal region Somaliland

Donor : WWF

Implemented by: SAREDO

Partners: daryeel

Project duration: 6 months

Berbera

A new documentary on Somaliland's marine resources was presented in a ceremony held at the Somaliland Marine Institute in Berbera.

The documentary produced by SAREDO in association with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlights the marine life in Somaliland's Red Sea coast and the abundance of these stocks, as well as, the need to use these resources towards the development of Somaliland's economy in an environmentally responsible way.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor of Berbera, Mudane Abdalle Mohamed Arab stated that Somaliland is blessed with an abundant marine stock which needs to be utilised in an environmentally sound manner and must be protected from unauthorised fishing. Mudane Abdalle Mohamed declared that the people of Somaliland must safeguard their resources for the benefit of future generations.

The forty-five minute documentary was filmed off the coast of Sahil region and includes new footage taken at a deep sea levels featuring a variety of exotic fish, reefs and corals. The Red Sea coast is very popular with deep sea diving enthusiasts across the globe, and the Somaliland coast contains some of the most spectacular corals and reefs in the region. A point further elaborated by the SAREDO documentary which could led to tourism's opportunities.

This documentary marks the first time that the marine life off the coast of Somaliland has been put on film for millions of Somalilanders who heve not seen a single image from Somaliland deep sea marine creatures and the natural biodiversity it supports

The participants at the screening of the documentary included members of the Sahil and Berbera local council,international and national nongovernmental organizarions, students from the SomalilandMarine Institute and members of the general public.

After broadcastining this introductory part SAREDO volunteers are planning to relaese a ninty minute coplete film encomprising Saylac. Ceebeed Island, Tikhayda and Karin areas which supports the richest sites in coral reefs.