Ethiopia has a broad array of floral and fauna and microbial potentials. It boasts a variety of plant and animal species endemic to Ethiopia. According to the magazine published by the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, the flora spectrum in Ethiopia is extremely vast with an estimated number between 6,500 and 7,000 species of plants. About 15 percent of them are endemic. This makes the country the fifth floral rich country in tropical Africa. As far as animal species is concerned, the nation hosts about 277 mammals, 861 birds and 201 reptile taxonomic categories.
Despite these enormous biodiversity resources, Ethiopia has not managed to utilize these bounties to ensure technologicallysupported-sustainable development. What has been done so far to preserve biodiversity? How should it be undertaken to realize innovation and economic development through exploiting biodiversity blessings?
Ethiopia needs to unleash the huge biodiversity potential to ensure sustainable development through enhancing biotechnology, Adugna Admas, Researcher at the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute tells The Ethiopian Herald.
‘‘Ethiopia has immense genetic biodiversity, vital for developing biotechnology and realizing sustainable development. It has a very diversified ecosystems ranging from moist forest and all-embracing water lands to a hottest place on earth known as the Afar Depression,’’ he says. ‘‘The diversified climate and topography have created ample opportunities for the thriving of biodiversity. But there are challenges in utilizing the resources,’’ he adds.
The researcher notes that genetic engineering research is being undertaking in the institute to innovate biotechnolgy believed to improve soil fertility, boost produce and production and preserve flora and fauna resources.
‘‘Though the nation is blessed with biodiversity, it has not been utilizing this massive resource due to lack of technology and other constraints. Having understood this limitation, the government and governmental organizations have been exerting maximum efforts in harnessing it. As a result, positive outcomes are being maintained,’’ he points out.
As to him, biodiversity road map that would be implemented in higher institutions in the upcoming10 years have been prepared. They will be expected to redress the challenges in strengthening efforts of exploiting genetic biodiversity.
Muluneh Gizaw (PhD), Lecturer at Addis Ababa University, Institute of Technolgy for his part says proper utilization of biodiversity is fundamental to transform biotehnology innovations and ensure sustainable agriculture.
‘‘There are successful efforts in producing genetically-modified crops and vegetables. Drought resistant crops such as maize, wheat, Teff and barely have been discovered through researches. Regarding vegetables, hybrid tomato, onion and potato were discovered and distributed to farmers.
This move should be taken as a step forward in exploiting biodiversity resources,’’ according to him.
Muluneh insists that dearth of infrastructural facilities, lack of awareness and poor technological development were the formidable challenges in using biodiversity for building productive and sustainable agriculture.
On the other hand, Daniel Assefa, Post Graduate student at Jimma University reaffirms that Ethiopia should pay attention for the conservation of biodiversity since it has been affected by human activities and climate change.
‘‘If our country is not successful in conserving its resources, it would be meaningless to own biodiversity. Nowadays, several endemic plant and animal species are on the brink of extinction. The government and stakeholders should intervene to spare them tragic ends.’’
According to Daniel, there are 15 endangered animal species in Ethiopia. These include Ethiopian wolf, Walia Ibex, Cheetah, Chilada baboon, Dorcas gazelle and various bird species. The fate of the endemic plant species is no different unless urgent conservation campaigns are not waged.
To sum up, Ethiopia, which abounds in natural wealth, has bright future to be a tranquil and prosperous nation in Africa. But to realize this goal, it should harness its biodiversity. Towards this end governmental, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders should exert their maximum efforts for biodiversity conservation. Ethiopian researchers, at home and abroad, should share their knowledge, skills, experiences and technology to promote and develop the Ethiopian biodiversity and realize green and sustainable economy.
Herald December 16/2018
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
