ADDIS ABABA – The Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) and the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to realize internationally green certification for special industrial economic zones.
Speaking at the signing ceremony yesterday, IPDC CEO Fisseha Yitagesu(PhD) said that this certification would help expand eco-friendly industrial parks development trends in all special industrial economic zones competency on the global stage.
He further emphasized that most of the industrial parks have their own waste treatment plants that help discharge zero pollution waste management mechanisms and practice eco-friendly industrial parks practices.
“Furthermore, this initiative creates an enabling platform to share professionalism, knowledge transfer and international best practices and experiences with partners collaboratively.”
Since the past few years, Ethiopia has been undertaking wide-ranges of greenery activities notably under the green legacy initiative throughout the country.
According to the CEO, this renewed commitment for the development of this initiative endures special economic zones embracing advanced technologies.
“This also helps the country promote its rank and keep up its excellence at international level,” he added.
During the ceremony, the managements on both sides have established a taskforce who monitor the overall implementation endeavors.
EEPA Director-General Lelise Nemie (Eng.) remarked that this green certification framework which rates the parks’ standards would help promote socio economic benefit and environmental sustainability.
Aligning with the international convention and mandates which advocates for nurturing healthy and productive citizens, she highlighted that this also be a significant milestone for the promotion of quality production and productivity.
“Apart from ensuring eco-friendly industrial parks and sustainable development goals, the certification framework would help create green jobs, energy management, waste reduction and lure anchor investors to invest in the country,” she underscored.
She further emphasized that this ice-breaking green certification program would be serving as a launching pad for other parks’ development. Accordingly, this pilot implementation phase will be putting in place in four special economic zones and expanded to other private industrial parks.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
The Ethiopian Herald December 12/2024
