Regional Environment Office for East Africa

The Regional Environment Office for East Africa (REO), based in the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, develops and implements strategies for advancing U.S. interests on trans-boundary and other issues concerning oceans, the environment, science, technology, and health (ESTH) in a 15-nation region (Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda).  The REO advocates U.S. views in international negotiations, represents U.S. environmental and science agencies, implements projects funded through the Department of State and other agencies, and provides support to ESTH officers at regional embassies.
 
Ongoing REO activities in 2011-12 include the following initiatives:

• Mapping groundwater resources in the Ogaden Basin with geospatial technology (with USGS);
• Establishing a Horn of Africa wildlife enforcement network;
• Developing improved solid waste management practices in the region (with EPA);
• Promoting development and use of clean, renewable energy sources and improved cookstoves;
• Representing the U.S. in conferences and meetings of regional institutions including the Nile Basin Initiative;
• Developing capacity for science and technology policy making in institutions and government ministries;
• Supporting development of national policies and strategies for electronic waste recycling (with EPA);
• Addressing land degradation and its impacts on regional watersheds.