WOLAYTA SODO–The Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration program, initiated by World Vision Ethiopia (WVE) has enabled farmers in South Ethiopia to successfully generate over 1.8 million USD from carbon sales.
WVE’s Climate Change and Environmental Projects Coordinator Workneh Yadesa expressed that farmers in the Humbo and Sodo areas have generated over 1.1 million USD from carbon sales as part of the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) program, which has restored more than 268,000 hectares of degraded land.
He emphasized that the program not only focuses on reforestation but also addresses community challenges such as food insecurity and flood risks, which have previously forced residents to migrate.
In Humbo and Sodo, 5,800 hectares of forest have been restored, resulting in the sequestration of 426,000 tons of CO2 and generating the aforestated amount of income for cooperative members. According to Workneh, this income has enabled the community to ensure food security and fund essential services, including the construction of a primary school.
He also highlighted World Vision Ethiopia’s ambitious plans to restore 4.6 million hectares of degraded land over the next decade.
Hobicha Beda Weito Mountain Forest Development and Conservation Basic Cooperative, Chairman Mekonen Gujo noted that the land had been neglected due to a lack of ownership, which led to deforestation for firewood and fodder.
He pointed out that this deforestation caused famine, reduced agricultural production, water shortages, and livestock deaths.
However, through collective efforts to reforest the degraded land, the area is beginning to recover. Mekonen mentioned that the community is actively working to protect the forest, benefiting from carbon sales to fund development projects, establish a milling operation, and support local schools.
The FMNR program is being implemented in various states across Ethiopia, including Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, Central Ethiopia, Southwest Ethiopia, Southern Ethiopia, and Afar, contributing significantly to the country’s environmental and economic sustainability, according to organization.
World Vision Ethiopia also expressed that efforts are underway to register additional areas that currently do not qualify for carbon sales, by adhering to established carbon sale procedures. This initiative aims to expand the scope of reforestation projects and enhance the livelihood of the society as well as financial viability.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024
