Basic statement
Caritas Somalia recognizes that environmental degradation and climate change are structural challenges that directly affect humanitarian crises, sustainable development, and social stability. In Somalia, recurring droughts, floods, desertification, and water scarcity exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, and forced displacement.
Inspired by the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church and the encyclicals Laudato Si, Fratelli Tutti, and Laudate Deum, Caritas Somalia adopts an integral ecology approach, considering care for creation inseparable from the promotion of human dignity, social justice, and peace.
This commitment is formalized in the Caritas Somalia Environmental Policy (2026), which provides a framework to ensure environmentally responsible, sustainable, and climate-just organizational practices and programming.
The Environmental Policy aims to:
- Promote ecological responsibility and a culture of sustainability within the organization
- Reduce the environmental impact of operations and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities
- Integrate environmental and climate considerations into all programs, projects, and institutional processes of Caritas Somalia
- Promote climate justice through local interventions and advocacy at national, regional, and international levels
- Ensure consistency with the Social Teaching of the Church, the SDGs, CHS, CIMS, and donor requirements
The Environmental Policy applies to:
- All Caritas Somalia staff, volunteers, consultants, interns, and Board members;
- Partner organizations and implementing partner staff;
- All programs, projects, and operations carried out by or on behalf of Caritas Somalia.
Environmental considerations are integrated throughout the entire project cycle, from needs assessment and design to implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Caritas Somalia’s approach to environmental sustainability is guided by the following principles:
- Responsibility and precaution;
- Sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems;
- Participation and inclusion of local communities;
- Equity and climate justice;
- Collaboration with local partners, government institutions, and civil society;
- Contextual sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity.
Caritas Somalia is committed to ensuring that environmental principles are reflected in organizational policies, staff capacity-building, partnerships, program design, and monitoring systems. All staff and partners are expected to comply with the Environmental Policy and contribute to its effective implementation.
The Environmental Policy is reviewed every four years, or earlier if required due to legal, organizational, or contextual changes, or following serious events affecting environmental sustainability and community resilience.
Environmental Policy – Caritas Somalia (2026)
Environmental Everyday Guidelines