Ethiopia commemorated International Biodiversity Day, which is held annually on May 22. The day aims to raise understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues throughout the country.
In actuality, Ethiopia, a Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC/E), was founded in May 1976 as part of a bilateral technical cooperation agreement between the Ethiopian and German governments. The primary goal was to protect the country’s plant genetic resources from the harmful effects of diverse human activities and natural disasters, consequently supporting crop improvement projects.
It was renamed the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Research (EBIR) in 1998, with a broader scope and responsibilities to carry out Ethiopia’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (EBI) was revised in 2004. Finally, in 2013, the institute adopted its current organization and was called the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI).
Regardless of political ideologies, economic policies, environmental protection objectives, and so on, Ethiopia’s consecutive governments have established clear national policy directives for biological resource protection. Previously, conservation efforts centered on plant genetic resources, with field crops receiving top consideration. Since 1998, the Institute has been granted a broader mandate to conserve and sustainably use various types of biological resources, including plants, animals, and microbial genetic resources, as well as associated indigenous knowledge.
Furthermore, ecosystem management is identified as one of the topics to be prioritized. In terms of biodiversity and the country’s reliance on biological resources, conservation efforts prioritize local and national needs and ideals. As a result, the Institute has the authority and responsibility to conserve and promote the sustainable use of Ethiopia’s biodiversity. This includes maintaining and strengthening international contacts with bilateral and multilateral organizations with the capacity to give technical support. Based on national legislation, the Institute is responsible for implementing international biodiversity treaties, accords, and commitments to which Ethiopia is a party.
Apart from the main office, the Institute establishes seven (7) additional biodiversity centers in Metu, Hawasa, Harrer, Mekele, Goba, Bahirdar, and Asosa, two (2) botanical gardens in Jimma and Shashemene, and one (1) duplicate gene bank in Fiche to improve the accessibility of biodiversity conservation and research. The Institute is currently working to become a Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in Africa by 2030. This year, the country’s Biodiversity Institute held a variety of events, including a panel discussion, a field visit, and so on, to celebrate World Biodiversity Day.
Here, many questions may arise. For instance, does celebrating Biodiversity Day have any relevance in conserving the country’s biodiversity so far? What are the enabling initiatives that help the country protect its biodiversity?
Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Director General Dr. Karta Kaske said that Biodiversity Day is celebrated on May 14 every year around the world and in our country. Countries mark the day in various ways. The primary goal is to establish conditions that enable society to effectively manage and sustain natural resources, rather than exploiting them excessively or indiscriminately owing to a lack of understanding. Furthermore, it renews prior commitments, such as identifying issues and solutions to biodiversity conservation and protection.
He stated that the Day is also significant for recognizing the community. The community understands how to maintain and care for biodiversity because it has acquired knowledge and experience over generations in its daily life. Recognizing this community fosters a greater sense of ownership. He claimed that when people’s sense of ownership grows, the resource is better safeguarded.
He added that another purpose of marking Biodiversity Day is to promote awareness about biodiversity. As is well known, Ethiopia is a biodiversity-rich country, so it is appropriate to make good use of its resources. It is not difficult to believe that resources are being lost without our knowledge or utilization. To prevent this from happening, it is critical that all key stakeholders, including society, research, and higher education institutions, collaborate and act with ownership.
Addis Ababa University College of Natural and Computational Sciences Dean and Department of Ecology, a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Bikila Workineh, said that celebrating the day will help to promote and strengthen the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts, identify gaps, and take appropriate action.
The day is particularly noteworthy in terms of promoting the Green Legacy Initiative Program, which the country has been executing for the past six years. The initiative is playing an important role in protecting biodiversity across the country by creating an enabling environment that can safeguard the country’s biodiversity, he highlighted.
Besides, the Green Legacy Program plays an important role in recovering reduced biodiversity since it works to improve and maintain forest resources. As a result, the Green Legacy Program has helped lessen the danger to biodiversity.
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia Namukolo Covic said that the Green Legacy Initiative that Ethiopia is implementing alongside its development efforts shows that it is possible to integrate development efforts with the environment and biodiversity protection.
She also stated that if any development does not prioritize the protection and conservation of natural resources, the outcome could be terrible. As a result, the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place a high value on ensuring global development without compromising biodiversity.
Accordingly, this year’s theme “harmony with nature and sustainable development” is very similar to what Ethiopia has taken on as the green legacy development; without harmony with nature and conserving our biodiversity, a green legacy development is simply not possible; because the resources to feed into that green legacy development would come from the biodiversity that we have.”
She added that “By 2030, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute will be Africa’s center of excellence in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.” Hence, thank you again for expanding your vision beyond Ethiopia to include Africa.”
As stated by her, it is commendable to have African biodiversity resources in view, as it could lead to a vision for the continent’s green legacy development, given Africa’s rich biodiversity and need for development.
“So can we develop by taking with us our biodiversity and not lose it like the rest of the world. If our economic development can harness the biodiversity richness that we have in Ethiopia, the biodiversity richness that we have on this continent, the possibilities for us are then many,” she elaborated.
Strengthening and mounting the Green Legacy Initiative not only in Ethiopia but throughout the continent helps to protect the continent’s biodiversity. It is also significant in countries where modern treatment is limited, since people look to nature and biodiversity for healing, she explained.
Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Deputy Director General Dr. Abiyot Berhanu stated that Ethiopia’s consecutive governments built and strengthened the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute. As a result, the institution was able to maintain a large gene bank at its headquarters, which includes approximately 92,000 plant genetic samples.
Particularly, the current government offers comprehensive support to safeguard the country’s biodiversity resources throughout the country. The Green Legacy Initiative, in particular, has been working to restore lost indigenous plant species across the country, he noted.
Indeed, World Biodiversity Day serves as a reminder of humanity’s interconnectedness with nature, as well as the critical role that biodiversity plays in maintaining life on Earth. Accordingly, Ethiopia celebrates the day intertwined with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, which has been implemented across the country. The initiative is imperative in aiding and recovering the lost indigenous plant species and supports development efforts. As a result, the government should maintain the Green Legacy program while receiving enough backing from the international community.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 27 MAY 2025
