Khartoum- Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Physical Development Dr. Hassan Abdel-Gadir Hilal has disclosed plans for setting up an African center for

desertification studies at Western Gitaina area in White Nile State to contribute to early warning concerning the desertification phenomenon.
The Minister was addressing a workshop on the role of the media in sustainable management of natural resources, which was organized by the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Project at Paradise Hotel in Khartoum yesterday.
He warned of exporting Sudanese products in its primary form, saying that many of the Sudanese products, including gum Arabic, are exported in raw form without processing, a matter that make them lose the necessary added value.
The Minister stressed the importance of agro-industry, training and optimum utilization of resources for realizing comprehensive development.
He pointed out that the media is a main partner in all development projects, affirming that Sudan is one of the countries that are endowed with rich natural resources that need rational management, calling for investments in water resources to create a breakthrough in development.
The Minister stressed the importance of reaching the local communities through suitable media programs.
Coordinator of the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Project Ibrahim Doka, on his part, said, the project aims at realizing integrated sustainable management for the natural resources for realizing the aspired goals.
He noted that the workshop aims at involving the media in the management of these resources.
Director of the Focal Point of the African Green Wall Project, Dr. Abdelazzim Mirghani, on his part, called for establishment of a radio station to broadcast programs on environment issues to contribute to sustainable management of the natural resources, affirming that Sudan is committed to cultivation of 100 million hectares of deteriorated lands, a matter that requires raising awareness of the people in this connection.