Ethiopia, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is also home to a vast array of plant and animal species. The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute plays a crucial role in conserving this biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of this East African country. Let’s take a closer look at the institute’s efforts and initiatives in preserving Ethiopia’s unique ecosystems.
Thus, conserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining the balance of our planet’s ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources. The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute recognizes the importance of preserving this biological diversity and works tirelessly to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Established prior to half a century, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of Ethiopia’s biological resources. The institute conducts scientific research, biodiversity assessments, and conservation programs to safeguard the country’s unique flora and fauna. By collaborating with local communities, governmental agencies, and international partners, the institute implements conservation strategies that promote ecological balance and environmental sustainability.
In doing so, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) plays a central role in the conservation of the country’s vast genetic resources.
Institute Medicinal Plant Coordinator Sisay Wube told The Ethiopian Herald that the institute remains bold in the conservation of endemic animal and indigenous plant species.
As to him, the fastest world population growth is posing a serious challenge to the earth’s biodiversity.
Thus, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute undertakes enormous works to conserve endemic plants through in-situ and ex-situ conservation processes, he added.
Accordingly, ensuring active community participation, improving community awareness, and verifying the community’s benefit from the resource is fundamental to successful conservation of biodiversity resources.
So far, EBI has collected more than 2,000 plant and crop species samples out of the 6,500-7,000 plant species that are believed to be found in the country.
However, conserving the indicated amount is not satisfactory compared to the country’s vast genetic resources.
“EBI prioritizes the conservation of 3E genetic conservation, namely, Endemic, Endangered, and Economically important varieties from every corner of the country. After collecting this 3E’s plant species seeds we will keep it in our gene bank and/or other 10 field gene banks dispersed throughout the country based on the agro-ecological zones to conserve genetic resources successfully.”
Moreover, the EBI researchers also bring varieties to the central genbank beyond the 3Es as far as the species is endemic and worthy to be conserved, he emphasized.
In addition, EBI has collected more than 200 medicinal plant species, he said.
EBI also plays a tangible role in the on-going Green Legacy Initiative through supplying millions of endemic plant seedlings annually.
More importantly, EBI has been working in collaboration with the Ethiopian Traditional Healer’s Association and any individual interested in the process of medicinal value and other plant species conservation, according to him.
On his part, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) Deputy Director General Abiyot Berhanu said that the Institute is intensifying its efforts to conserve animal and plant species, encompassing endemic varieties, through a range of robust conservation strategies.
Accordingly, the institute operates a large gene bank at its headquarters, housing over 92,000 plant genetic samples. Beyond plants, the institute also preserves genetic material from diverse animal species and thousands of microorganisms. Abiyot explained that the EBI employs both off-site (ex-situ) and on-site (in-situ) conservation methods to safeguard biodiversity. Special attention is also given to species with significant economic, medicinal, industrial, and nutritional value.
“For species that cannot be stored in cold storage, and for those that are socially and economically vital, we have established Field Genebanks across different regions,” he added.
He cited examples such as the conservation of coffee at the Choche Field Gene Bank in Jimma and at Bedessa, the largest coffee gene bank in Harar, as well as medicinal plants at the Goba Gene Bank.
Attributing the research and study data, Abiyot mentioned that more than 6,029 main various plant species are found in Ethiopia. Of these, 10 percent are endemic, including coffee, teff, and other tree plants.
According to the information obtained from the institute, Ethiopia stands as a primary gene center for several field crops, including noug (Guizotia abyssinica), teff (Eragrostis tef), and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata).
Furthermore, the country harbors significant genetic diversity in other important field crops such as barley, sorghum, durum wheat, finger millet, faba bean, linseed, sesame, safflower, chickpea, lentil, cowpea, fenugreek, and grass pea.
Moreover, Ethiopia boasts a remarkable array of animal life, including approximately 284 mammal species and an impressive 861 bird species. The reptile population is also significant, with 201 identified species, encompassing over 87 snakes, 101 lizards, and 13 species of tortoises and turtles. Furthermore, the country is home to around 188 fish species, 324 butterfly species, and 63 species of amphibians.
The deputy director general further noted the presence of numerous endemic animal species, including a variety of insects such as butterflies and beetles, adding that new species continue to be discovered.
He emphasized that maintaining a healthy ecosystem and conserving its biodiversity are crucial for sustainable agricultural development. Regarding endangered plant species like the olive tree, Cordia africana, Hagenia abyssinica, and Afrocarpus, he underscored that a legal framework has been established to protect them by prohibiting their cutting.
Furthermore, Abiyot indicated that Ethiopia’s gene bank houses climate-resilient and disease-tolerant crop species, noting that improved seeds derive at least 80 percent of their inputs from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute gene bank.
He further noted that the institute is actively collaborating with relevant domestic and international organizations to accelerate its efforts in conserving all biodiversity resources, which aims to protect the ownership rights of species originating in Ethiopia, following international legal frameworks.
The institute is currently preparing to commemorate the International Day for Biodiversity 2025 under the theme “Harmony with nature and sustainable development” through various events.
Despite its efforts, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute faces several challenges in conserving biodiversity, including habitat loss, deforestation, climate change, and illegal poaching. To address these threats, the institute continues to expand its conservation programs, raise public awareness, and advocate for stronger environmental policies and regulations. By mobilizing resources, building partnerships, and engaging stakeholders at all levels, the institute aims to secure a sustainable future for Ethiopia’s biodiversity.In sum, EBI plays a vital role in preserving the rich biodiversity of Ethiopia. Through its research, conservation, and community engagement efforts, the institute is protecting the country’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2025
