Mereja.Forum

[Zmeselo]

Eritrea’s Potential in Aquatic Sports

By: Sabrina Solomon

https://shabait.com/2021/09/08/eritreas ... eaPrevails

Q & A

Sep 8, 2021



Meet Efrem Ghirmai, a swimmer who represented Eritrea at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is the first swimmer, who has hoisted the Eritrean flag at the open­ing ceremony of the Olympics. We had a brief meeting with Efrem and here are the excerpts.

Please introduce us, with yourself.

I’m a 25 year old Eritrean swimmer and an educated sea captain. I was born and raised in Sweden from Eritrean parents, Ghirmai Zerai and Yirgalem Ghebrezhabiher. I’m going to get my first real job as a sea captain in seven days now, as a first navigation officer. I’m also a swimmer who has participated at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics representing Eritrea in swimming, for the first time.



What inspired you to become a swimmer?

I actually was not passionate about swimming at all, I hated it when I was a kid. My parents actually encouraged me to swim and I wasn’t really good at it. I was more passionate about basketball and karate. But things somehow took a turn and I became so good, so much so that I won my first Swedish youth championship at age eleven. I had the age record for six or seven years when I was fourteen and won the Swedish junior championship, at 20. So everything, just went pretty good. But then on the later years, I took it more of a challenge to see how good I could be. I never thought that swimming could actually set me up in this kind of position where I can actually change somebody’s life, so that’s how I got the passion.

What are your achievements so far, on your swimming endeavors?

I was introduced to the sport when I was about five years old and started swimming at the local club. At the age of nine, my skill in swimming started growing tremendously and today I am among the best swimmers in the nation. Since then, I have won several big titles. I have participated in a umber of national junior championships, national age records and national youth championships ranking in the top three.

You took part on three competitions, representing Eritrea. What can you tell us about it?

In July 2019, I participated at the FINA World Championship in South Korea representing Eritrea. It was the first time, Eritrea participated in international swimming competitions. Our participation in the world championship really helped for Eritrea to get recognition in this type of sport and opened a door for the Olympic Games. After that, in August 2019, I participated in the All African Games in Morocco along with other Eritrean swimmers- Daniel Christian, Dejen Beyene and Solomon Eyob. We trained so hard for about two weeks, after we got the opportunity to participate in the All African Games. And last but not least, I participated at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 50 meter freestyle.

Growing up, my parents have thought me about my country and the struggle that we went through to get our independence. I know how everyone has lost their family members in the war. So the least I could do for my country was to represent it in the Olympic Games. It’s both for my personal and my country’s achievement.



How did you feel, when bearing Eritrea’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics?

I can’t even tell you, how excited I was. It’s hard to describe. I always wanted to extend my assistance to Eritrea in swimming projects, but to raise the flag of Eritrea at the biggest stage in sports is unbelievable. At the Olympics, the biggest honor is to win the Olympic gold, the second is to get the world record and the third is to be the flag bearer. It’s an open ceremony where all the countries, all the athletes and all sports are looking at, and that’s where you represent the flag. I represented Eritrea in front of 3 billion people watching, that’s just so amazing.

How do you see Eritrea’s prospects in swimming?

The Eritrean Swimming Federation and I have already begun to form a plan for swimming awareness, in Eritrea. All the citizens of our beautiful country should have the opportunity to bond and enjoy the sea, that we fought so hard for. Aquatic sports have been a forgotten sport in Africa, and I think we can be a role model for the rest of the continent; breaking the norm that

black people can’t swim.

I see a huge potential in Eritrea and the Red Sea and I believe very strongly that we must build up a culture evolving around maritime activities for future generations to pick up the development, when we leave this earth. We need to bond with the ocean, laugh and do family activities on the beautiful shores of our Red Sea.



What can you tell us about the training at Hotel Asmara Palace?

As I mentioned earlier, I wanted to do something for my country and this training gave me an opportunity to do so. Cooperating with the Eritrean Swimming Federation, I have been giving swimming training for 29 participants in different age groups for about a week. Besides, lifeguards and other swimming members of the hotel were given this training both theoretically and practically. Both genders, in different age groups, participated. It was a bit hard, as I was training them all by myself and they were all in different levels and ages. I was aiming more on the techniques and brought my tools, that are really important and helpful for the kids.

Your future plans and any final remarks?

I want to make a difference, by showing the world that Eritrea do have a range of different sportsmen in elite class. My ambition is to represent Eritrea in future Summer Olympic Games in swimming, a dream that has been in the process since 2014. I personally see the Olympics as a steppingstone to introduce not only aquatic sports to Eritrea, but also the maritime culture overall. I think that we can have a chance to get in top level in triathlon, we should put our energy into it. I actually want to contribute a lot to this country and there are many Diasporas who want to do so, but may be have some language barriers. I have met many youngsters willing to contribute with everything they can to make a difference for our people; this is our duty and the least we can do to show our appreciation for the ones who paved the way for us.

Thank you for your time, Efrem. I wish you all the best!

[Zmeselo]

Tour du Doubs
GIRMAY (2ND) CONCLUDES A FRUITFUL STAY IN THE DOUBS REGION

https://intermarche-wantygobert.eu/news/doubs/

Just like the previous days in the Doubs region, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux took its responsibility in the chase behind the breakaway this Sunday at the Tour du Doubs (1.1, 5/09). The riders under the sportive direction of Frédéric Amorison knew the parcours of 201 kilometer well, since Loïc Vliegen offered the victory to the Belgian team one year ago. In addition, both Baptiste Planckaert and Biniam Girmay Hailu, winner of the Classic Grand Besançon last Friday, finished 2nd before in this eighth race of the French Cup.

The maximal advantage of 9 minutes decreased gradually until the breakaway was within reach on the Col de la République (4.3km at 4.1%), the penultimate climb of seven categorized difficulties. But the favorites waited until the final climb, Le Larmont (4,4km à 4,1%), to make their move. However, it was a group of around twenty riders which sprinted for the victory at the end of the 6 downhill kilometers. Biniam Girmay Hailu took 2nd place, he was defeated by Dorian Godon. The 21 year old Eritrean rider imitated his performance in the previous edition and concludes a fruitful stay in the Doubs region.

I’m very happy about last weekend, because I was on the podium in each of the races. Next to my victory on Friday and today’s 2nd place, I was the best young rider in the Tour du Jura yesterday. The team again took its responsibility in the chase behind the breakaway today. Especially Alexander and Jérémy did a good job bringing the gap down to 3 minutes. On the final climb, and the descent, I kept an eye on the favorites. I followed the attacks, because I was confident for the sprint. Unfortunately I rode through a whole in the final meters, but luckily I stayed upright. This 2nd place is satisfying. I’m confident for the GP de Wallonie, which will be my last race before the World Championships.

Biniam Girmay Hailu https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I ... 2Fdoubs%2F



_______________





Biniam Girmay: “I took insurance”

News by archyw

https://www.archyworldys.com/biniam-gir ... ance-news/

September 4, 2021



We had to wait to leave France and the Delko formation, to see Biniam Girmay triumph on French soil. The Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux rider won the Classic Grand Besançon Doubs (1.1) this Friday (see ranking), his first in Europe after several professional successes on the African continent.

I think it’s my best victory. It’s important to win. For the team that expects me to win, but also for me.

To achieve this, the Eritrean attacked ten kilometers from the end.

But he was not alone, in wanting to accelerate. They wdre then six to accompany him, to the front of the race.

When I went out with Quintana, Pinot and the others, I was a little scared because Quintana was very strong and we still had a climb. In this climb, I felt better. I was looking forward to this race. I’m in very good shape at the moment, so there was fear at first and then motivation.

Then finally, the decision was made at five, in a sprint in small committee.

THIS WEEKEND, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR ME

In the sprint, Biniam Girmay is in an exercise that he knows and loves.

I was confident, for the sprint. In the last kilometers I took it easy, because I have a good sprint. I was not afraid at the time. I like the small group sprints, its my specialty.

And even when Thibaut Pinot and Axel Zingle glue back together in the last few hundred meters, the 21-year-old rider does not lose his composure.

They weren’t a problem for me.

He is impatiently awaiting the revenge this Saturday, but especially Sunday, at the Tour du Doubs.

This is my goal with the Classics, at the end of the year. I am also looking forward, to reaching the World Championship.

In the Doubs, Biniam Girmay had been frustrated last year by Loïc Vliegen, and intends to climb on the top step of the podium this time.

This weekend, is the most important for me. I like the Tour du Doubs. Last year I finished 2nd so this year we will probably have our chances of winning. We will go for that.

Now a member of the Belgian WorldTeam after leaving Delko at the beginning of August, he hopes to grow with his new partners.

I think I have better opportunities, being in the World Tour. I need to grow with the team and stay with them, as long as possible.

The first success is in any case, quickly arrived.

[Zmeselo]

Sotigui Awards 2021: The list of nominated actors revealed

By: Semere Asmelash

Tuesday, 07 September 2021

Eritrean actress Winta Gerezgiher is nominated at the 6th Edition event of Sotigui Awards 2021 (Burkina Faso) for the best African TV show, for her acting in the "Machelo -ማጨሎ" TV Series.



The Sotigui Academy during a press conference held on September 04, 2021 in Ouagadougou, presented the list of actors nominated for the 6th edition of the Sotigui Awards.

They are a total of 38 film actors who will be awarded, during the 6th edition of the Sotigui Awards. The event is scheduled to be held from November 10 to 13, 2021. The theme chosen for this edition is:

Status of the Artist and fair remuneration of actors-comedians of African cinema and the diaspora.

The nominated actors are of various nationalities and are divided into different categories. This is among others the Sotigui category of the African Public where the vote will be done via the website www.academiedessotigui.org ; the Sotigui for the best African male interpretation of the tv series, the Sotigui for the best African hope for the tv series, the Sotigui for the best Burkinabe female interpretation, the Sotigui for the best Burkinabe male interpretation, the Sotigui for the best African hope, the Sotigui for the best more young African actor, Sotigui for Best Actor Nigeria/Ghana, Sotigui for Best Actor in West Africa, Sotigui for Best Actor in North Africa, Sotigui for Best Actor in West Africa, Sotigui for Best Actor in West Africa sotigui for best actor in the diaspora, Sotigui for best actor in Central Africa, Sotigui for best actor in southern Africa and Sotigui d'or.

Innovations ...

The method of nominating candidates is based on several criteria according to François Akouabou, member of the Académie des Sotigui. It is about the credibility of the actor in the role which he interprets, the capacity and the quality of conversation of the actor as well as the quality of the acting which is in reality the interpretation.



According to the president of the Académie des Sotigui, Kévin Moné, several innovations will occur during this 6th edition. It will above all be a question for the Sotigui to launch a social network, specially dedicated to cinema professionals.

The major innovation is Mov-Up, the professional network that we are going to set up so that actors, directors and filmmakers can meet on this platform to interact,

he declared.

In addition, this year, the Sotigui Awards will have a guest country of honor which is Gabon. It is also planned to organize an “AFTER SOTIGUI” with the movie stars just after the closing ceremony. This evening will be open to the public, according to Kévin Moné. And like the previous edition, during this 6he edition of the Sotigui Awards, the Hashtag concept "WE DRESS WE AFRICAINS" will once again be launched and participants and audiences will be recommended to dress in a traditional way, inorder to enhance African culture.

See here (PDF) The full list of nominees for Sotigui 2021 https://faso7.com/wp-content/uploads/20 ... I-2021.pdf

[Zmeselo]

Restoring the Ecosystem of Eritrea

By Ruth Abraham

https://shabait.com/2021/09/08/restorin ... eaPrevails

GENERAL

Sep 8, 2021



In equal pacing with the extreme advancement of humans, the earth is coming to the worst of degradation and negative transformation. We have reached a stage where our survival is being threatened, mainly due to our unreasonable extraction of resources and emission of waste. For many years now, the natural setting of the world has been gradually changing into an environment that is less suitable for its inhabitants. It might already be late now, but it is never too late to take action. On January 30, 1995, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed June 17 as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought day, later named World’s Desertification and Drought Observance day. This was done to raise worldwide awareness of people, about drought and land degradation or desertification.

It all started to go wrong when nations began to develop and modernize, demanding extensive amounts of resources to meet the needs of their people’s new lifestyles. Increased wealth and urbanization are seeking more land for food, animal feed and clothing, which is fiber.

And the productivity of the remaining arable land is declining and the climate is also changing, further contributing to desertification.

According to a statistical report of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), today, more than two billion hectares of previously productive land is degraded, leaving over 70 percent of natural ecosystems affected. By 2050, this could reach 90 percent. By 2030, food production will require an additional 300 million hectares of land and the fashion industry is predicted to use 35 percent more land – which is over 115 million hectares. Clothing and footwear production causes 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure predicted to rise to almost 50 percent by 2030. Of course, dietary change can free up between 80 and 240 million hectares of land and eliminating waste can free up land used to produce 1.3 billion tons of food, which reserves 1.4 billion hectares of land. But with the most basic of our needs being the products of the land, nothing could be more devastating than the fact that it is running out of service.

In his address last year, Mr. Ibrahim Thiew, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD said:

If we keep producing and consuming as usual, we will eat into the planet’s capacity to sustain life until there is nothing left but scraps. We all need to make better choices about what we eat and what we wear, to help protect and restore the land.

That way, we can embrace the benefits of the land and ensure our survival. As many scholars agree, desertification and climate change, both individually and in combination, are reducing the provision of dryland ecosystem services and negatively affecting ecosystem health, including losses in biodiversity.

In Eritrea, since some people depend on agriculture for their livelihood, land is a center of gravity for the government’s policies. For this reason, the Government of Eritrea has been working prudently to improve land productivity and to minimize land degradation. To restore degraded land and improve land productivity, the Government of Eritrea has been taking major initiatives including farm soil and water conservation programs, construction of water reservoirs as well as launching of the Greening Campaign.

In spite of that, Eritrea’s natural location makes it prone to adverse effects of drought and desertification. This natural challenge is aggravated by man-made interferences, such as the cutting of trees for firewood and to expand farmland and overgrazing.

In order to mitigate the effects of drought and desertification in Eritrea, the following actions must be enforced.

Every renovation begins, with raising awareness of the public. That is why concerned government bodies have been working to raise people’s awareness about the importance of the conservation of the environment, in general, and the conservation of soil fertility in particular. That was supported by promoting community-based activities to improve land productivity and by harvesting water from all kinds of sources and using it in improving agricultural productivity.

For people to stop cutting trees down for firewood and construction, an alternative source of energy and house construction material should be provided. For this reason, the Eritrean Government has been working to introduce sustainable alternative sources of energy and construct permanent stone-made housing settlements for the people.

Though Eritrea is one of the countries that are in great danger of desertification, the issue is relevant to all countries and seeks global cooperation. Hence, fostering regional and international engagements through pragmatic initiatives is one of the measures that are being taken to combat desertification.

According to Mr. Fitsum Hagos, Director of Wild Life Conservation at the Forestry and Wild Life Authority, the Eritrean Government has mapped 14 forest and wild life protected land in different parts of the country; including Hawashayt, Nakfa, Dige and Rahrihe. However only six of them, namely, Gash Setit Elephant Sanctuary, Semienawi-Debubawi Green Belts, Dahlak Island Forest and Wild Life Reservation, Ber’asole and Kerkebet, are being actively worked on.

Desertification is caused by many factors, that influence one another. They include: climate change, the amount of rainfall and soil salinity. However, the factor that is by far the most responsible for the catastrophe is humans’ relentless production and consumption rates. For this reason, only humans can put a stop to this by cutting down production or by designing a more eco-friendly means of production.



________________





ብሚኒስትሪ ሕርሻ ዝካየድ መደባት ክታበት ጥሪት፡ ጽቡቕ ውጽኢት ተረኺብዎ።

https://eritreanmedianetwork.org/11/08/ ... 89d7f99db0



ብሚኒስትሪ ሕርሻ ዝካየድ ግዱድ መደባት ክታበት ጸረ ጉልሓይ-መሰል ሕማም ጤለ-በጊዕ፡ ኣብ ጥዕና ጥሪቶም ጽቡቕ ውጽኢት ከምዝረኸቡሉ፡ ሓረስቶት ገሊጾም።

ንሳቶም ኣብ ሓበሬታኦም፡ ጥዕና ጥሪት ምስ’ቲ ካብአን ዝርከብ ረብሓን መነባብሮ ሓረስታይን ዝተኣሳሰረ ስለዝኾነ፡ ብመንጽር’ቲ ኣብ ጥዕና ጥሪቶም ዝመጸ ለውጢ፡ ቁጠባዊ ረብሓኦም’ውን ክብ ከምዝበለ ኣብሪሆም።

ካብ መፋርቕ ወርሒ ሰነ ብዝጀመረ ወፍሪ፡ ኣብ ዞባ ጋሽ-ባርካ ልዕሊ 891 ሽሕ፣ ኣብ ዞባ ዓንሰባ ድማ ኣስታት 324 ሽሕ ጤለ-በጊዕ ከምእተኸትባ፣ ኣብ ዞባ ሰሜናዊ ቀይሕ ባሕሪ ልዕሊ 424 ሽሕ ጤለ-በጊዕ ንምኽታብ ዝተጀመረ ስራሕ ከኣ ይቕጽል ከምዘሎ፡ ጸብጻብ ሚኒስትሪ ሕርሻ ኣፍሊጡ።

ሓረስቶት ብወገኖም፡ እቲ መደብ ውጽኢታዊ ምዃኑ ብምግላጽ፡ ካብኦም ዝሕተት ንምምላእ ዘለዎም ቅሩብነት ኣረጋጊጾም።

ጉልሓይ-መሰል ሕማም ጤለ-በጊዕ ቅድሚ 2030 ንምጥፋእ ዝዓለመ ሃገራዊ ክታበት፡ ኣብ መላእ ሃገርና ይካየድ ከምዘሎ ዝፍለጥ’ዩ።

ሚኒስትሪ ሕርሻ፡ ሓረስቶት ተረባሕቲ ናይ’ዚ ብነጻ ዝወሃብ ግዱድ ክታበት ክኾኑ ብምጽዋዕ፡ ጥሪቶም ኣብ’ቲ ናይ ክታበት ቦታ ኣብ ግዜኡ እናምጽኡ፡ ኣብ ምጥፋእ ናይ’ዚ ሕማም እጃሞም ከበርክቱ የዘኻኽር።

ተርእዮ ሕማማት ንምክልኻል፡ ከምኡ’ውን ንዝተኸስቱ ንምፍዋስን ንምጥፋእን ኣብ መላእ ሃገር ብዝካየድ ወፍሪታት፡ ዓመት መጸ ኣብ መላእ ሃገር ኣስታት 2.3 ሚልዮን ጥሪት ከምዝኽተባ ዘነጽር ሰነዳት ሚኒስትሪ ሕርሻ፡ ብድምር ኣብ ዝሓለፈ 30 ዓመታት ኣስታት 53 ሚልዮን ጥሪት ከምእተኸትባ፣ ከም ውጽኢቱ ድማ፡ ተርእዮ ሞት ዘስዕቡ ቀንዲ ተላባዕቲ ሕማማት ብ70 ሚእታዊት ከምዝነከየ ይሕብር።