Ethiopia’s wetlands are vital for supporting plant and animal species, providing water filtration and flood control, and providing habitat for migratory birds. However, human activities like deforestation, agriculture, and urban development threaten these ecosystems, causing a decline in biodiversity.
Local communities in Ethiopia rely on wetland for fishing and farming due to its rich soil and water supply. However, pollution and deforestation threaten this delicate ecosystem. Conservationists are working to conserve and protect Ethiopia’s wetlands, ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.
Raising awareness and implementing sustainable practices among tasks done so far emphasizing the importance of collective action to preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
Wetlands constitute two percent of the total land area In Ethiopia, according to recent documents. However, these wetlands through process dried and transformed to other uses. The decline of these wetlands has negative impact on countries social, economic and environmental existence. In order to reverse this, it needs to take immediate, fast and comprehensive action.
Among the mandate given to Ethiopia environment protection authority is to develop sustainable environment protection system. Of the various areas which need inspection, one is wetlands.
Wetland international Ethiopia officer has recently prepared a consultative workshop and analyzed that task done so far to conserve wetlands.
Simeneh Shiferaw, PhD, is the country representative of Wetlands International Ethiopia. He stated that Wetlands International has been established in Ethiopia since 2014 and has achieved significant progress in policy and advocacy issues. They have supported the enhancement of wetland-related policies.
They have also supported the drafting of wetland management and protection policies, and the Residents’ Opinion Buffer Zone delineation and conservation proclamation initiated by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. However, challenges remain, such as a lack of awareness, technical gaps, and investments in wetland restoration.
Wetland internationals emphasize the importance of greening lands, preventing erosion, and improving biodiversity. They believe that without plantation, restoration, and deforestation, wetlands will lose their coastal services, water supply, food, habitat, and climate resilience. Wetland internationals support investments in restoration, livelihoods, and water management.
Millions of people rely on land care, including investment in restoration, livelihoods, and water management. Wetlands provide essential services, but pollution, particularly in Ethiopia, significantly impacts them. He emphasizes the need for support in addressing these issues to ensure the sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
Coenraad Krijger, the CEO of Wetland International, stated that the main goal of hosting an event with high-level stakeholders in Ethiopia is to discuss the importance of safeguarding and sustainably managing wetlands. Despite making up only 2% of the land area, Ethiopia’s wetlands are crucial for people, societies, and economic development. Therefore, the event aims to involve governments, the private sector, and local communities. Wetland International is a globally operating NGO with offices in 19 countries.
Since 2014, wetlands International has been working in Ethiopia, focusing on restoring degraded areas around Lake Zway. Local communities, with government support, are working together to prevent erosion and fill the lake, benefiting the entire region, including economic actors and businesses dependent on it. The restoration of degraded land has led to the return of vegetation and insects, providing new income sources and preventing land use for grazing. The goal is to prevent erosion and restore a healthy lake for all.
Wetlands International Ethiopia has successfully transformed a spiral towards a healthy environment by working with local people. Initiatives like the Green Dias Initiative are crucial for conserving wetlands, which are degrading and threatening water-related activities. The Ethiopian government is developing a policy for wetlands and sustainable management, with a high government official confirming this commitment. The private sector is also taking responsibility, as it is essential to prevent degradation and ensure the preservation of Ethiopia’s crucial water resources.
Ethiopia’s wetlands are crucial for its economy and sustainable production. Wetlands International supports Ethiopia’s environmental protection by combining local actions with international policies and strategies. The Ethiopian government is considering becoming a member of the Ramsar Convention, the oldest environmental multilateral convention, focusing on wetlands conservation. Wetlands International will remain active in Ethiopia and expand its activities if invited to work elsewhere. The CEO’s job is to mobilize international policy and financial support-to-support Ethiopia’s wetlands conservation efforts. The National Director for Shared Ethiopia is committed to this approach.
Ethiopia’s Environment Protection Authority deputy director Frenesh Mekuria emphasizes the importance of wetland in supporting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods, regulating water cycles, and protecting climate-related disasters. The Ethiopian Environment Policy recognizes the role of wetland in national resources and aims to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Institutional steps include the establishment of wetland bodies and monitoring desks.
The Ethiopian government is enhancing its legal frameworks for the sustainable use and protection of wetland, with the upcoming Wetland Protection and Sustainable Management Legal Framework providing a dedicated legal basis. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation’s Residents’ Opinion Buffer Zone delineation and conservation proclamation are also promoting wetland-related ecosystems. Collaboration among federal institutions and regional government stakeholders is crucial for sustainable wetland management.
Regulation 545-2024 mandates the Environmental Protection Authority to establish systems for wetlands protection and sustainable management. Collaboration among federal institutions, regional government stakeholders, and the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute is crucial for achieving these goals. Acknowledging challenges ahead is also important.
Ethiopia is focusing on effective wetland management through comprehensive inventory and assessment of resources. Collaborating with Wetland International, Ethiopia seeks support to build capacity for monitoring, developing management strategies, and mobilizing resources for impactful interventions. The country is committed to environmental sustainability and deepening partnerships for future wetlands sustainability.
Wetlands need more protection to prevent a reduction in water supply, diminished water quality, loss of coastal climate change buffering, and loss of biodiversity. When wetlands are destroyed, we may also face an increase in weed abundance, mosquito issues, heightened risks and severity of algae blooms, loss of crucial protection during severe storms, and an increased risk of both floods and droughts. Therefore, it is time to take a stand and work towards safeguarding and restoring wetlands for the benefit of both people and nature.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 JULY 2025
