ORREC, theRegional Observatory for Research on the Environment and Climate, announces its inauguration by the Djiboutian government. This research observatory studies the effects of climate change.
A major challenge
Inaugurated at the end of October, ORREC benefits from with the help of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Its aim is to help the country deal with the problems associated with climate change. Djibouti suffers from recurrent drought and famine.
This partnership with IAEA enables nuclear and related techniques to produce climate data and models. ORREC can thus inform political decisions on climate adaptation and resilience for the country. This aid could potentially be extended to the entire East African region.
Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti and Head of Government, declares:
“Thanks to the IAEA and other partners, the Observatory has become a reality – we are able to set up reliable and operational models for climate change adaptation and sustainable resilience.”
ORREC will produce climate models and mapping tools. It will study rain-bearing air masses and groundwater replenishment rates.
A vulnerable region
ORREC points out that the country is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Djibouti is entirely dependent on imports for its food. The country regularly suffers fromchronic drought, floods, tropical cyclones and pest infestations.
What’s more, if water temperatures rise by 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, 90% of corals will bleach. As a result, all fishing activities could find themselves in difficulty. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, declares:
“The burden of climate change falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable among us. Here in Djibouti and across Africa, rising temperatures, droughts and rising sea levels threaten lives and livelihoods”.
Scientists, students and decision-makers from East Africa debated the environmental and climatic aspects of the region. For three days, they shared best practices and looked for opportunities to collaborate in the new Observatory. In the future, ORREC will strengthen its capacities and should extend them to the whole of East Africa, where food is a major issue.
