ADDIS ABABA— Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission (EFCCC) disclosed Ethiopia’s plan to develop a law that could protect and protect wetland landmass.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, EFCCC Policy, Law and Standards Research and Development Director General, Dr. Ayele Hagena said that the country is framing to develop an independent law that could safeguard and protect wetland landmass Though Ethiopia possesses a great diversity of wetland ecosystem that covers nearly two percent of the total land mass of the country, the law to safeguard this landmass is not framed in independent fashion; but incorporated with other laws.
This has led to weak way of dealing with wetlands and subjected to various tectonic movements, erosion, and various human activities that affect the ecosystem.
“Unless we come up with comprehensive law that could safeguard the landmass ensuring sustainable development will jeopardized.”
Mentioning that Ethiopia is not a signatory to the RAMSAR Convention, he said that the Commission is currently working with Wetlands International conducting a dialogue how to deal with the Convention.
The country is preparing the ground to be a member to Ramsar convention, he opined.
According to Dr. Ayele wetlands offer various benefits to global ecosystems and local communities. They are vital sources of water and fodder, particularly during dry season and in times of drought, to both domestic and wild animals.
They also serve as important sources of food, construction and fuel wood, raw materials for making household furniture, fodder, and medicine to rural communities.
Poor rural households, particularly women, rely on wetlands for additional income to their families. Hence, wetlands contribute significantly to efforts aimed at poverty reduction and food self-sufficiency.
As to him, growing number of people in Ethiopia, in both rural and urban areas, depend on wetland resources for their survival.
Mentioning that Ethiopia has wetlands law in incorporated manner with other laws like forest conservation and investment, he said the EFCCC is working with pertinent stakeholders to develop the law separately.
Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA) Director Afework Hailu for his part said that it is important to address the issue of wetland ecosystem conservation with emphasis on their extent, diversity, distribution, and sustainable utilization. The Association is working with EFCCC and other pertinent stakeholders to do way the danger posed on the wetlands
The Ethiopian Herald February 19/2020
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
