Greenery was one of the things Ethiopia described by proverbs, songs and literaty works admire Ethiopia’s greeness and richness in biodiversity. Paintings are still showing impressive natural endowments of Ethiopia. Indeed, it is endowed with different biodiversities and 40% of Ethiopia was covered in forest during the 16th century.
While studying or discussing on tradition of Ethiopia’s environmental conservation, King Zara Yacob’s name is usually mentioned and it is at the front. A blog writing, Uthopia, on Zara Yacob’s life and contribution heigthens his place in Ethiopia’s environmental conservation history. It says : “Zara Yacob ’s act of conservation was: a seed of conservation planted in the minds of Ethiopians.” Zara Yacob was “the first in Ethiopia – and on the Africa continent! – to set aside a protected forested area – in Menagesha Suba – not only stating it should no longer be logged, but bringing seedlings from the Wof Washa Forest, near Ancobar, to replenish it. This is an indigenous story of the protection of indigenous forests and species – and one that happened in the 15th century,” Uthopia wrote.
Menagesha Suba which is dubbed the oldest park in Africa consists substantial indigenous trees. It is among few places that indigenous trees to be found and can be spread to other parts. The protected area is source of inspiration to regain previous status in forestry and environment in general. The place is beautiful and attracts local and foreign tourists. Menagesha is good for hiking. People walk around the forest and familiarize themself with the variety of plants, animals and beautiful landscape. Frequently seen mammals are; endemic Menelik bush back, baboons and other primates hanging on trees. This place is also interesting for bird watchers.
Wof Washa was the source in development of Menagesha Suba. It is one of the few remaining natural forests in Ethiopia, and it is hugely biodiverse. There are 193 species of plants in the forest, along with wild cats, monkeys, baboons and over half of Ethiopia’s highland bird species. Wof Washa is relied on by local people for survival, but sadly, due to deforestation and the effects of the climate crisis, it is currently under threat.
Different communities have the culture of enviromental preservation, development and sustainability. The Gedeo people have an age long tradition of enshrining forests, plant and animals species through their well established customs and culture. Someone who cuts down trees or hunts down an animal or murders people will be a social outcast by the Gedeo people. He/she cannot even enter into sacred forests with out the approval and blessing of community elders.
The Gedeo agro-forestry system is regarded as a sustainable land use system in the country hosting a large number of population density of over 1,300 people per km² and harboring a rich bio-diversity. It has evolved for a long time without significant degradation and loss of biodiversity because it is based on indigenous knowledge of environmental management and land use system. The components of the agroforestry are mainly coffee, enset, indigenous trees, root crops, shrubs, etc. in which, every plant occupy distinct layers of the vertical space of the plant.
Other UNESCO designated forests such as Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, Majang Forest Biosphere Reserve, Sheka Forest Biosphere Reserve and Yayu Biosphere Reserve build the fact that environment conservation is in Ethiopia’s tradition.
There is also the Konso Cultural landscape which is a registred UNESCO site. The site manifests Ethiopians understanding and place for conservation of nature. UNESCO in its website wrote: “The landscape demonstrates the shared values, social cohesion and engineering knowledge of its communities” Konso Cultural landscape.” It is a walled terraces and fortified settlements in the Konso mountains.
The terraces retain the soil from erosion,collect a maximum of water, discharge the excess, and create terraced fields that are used for agriculture. UNESCO in its report lauds communities knowledge and commmitment to preserving its environment. It said that “The communities nurture the traditional code of respect to the culture and adherence to the age group (hela) and the ward (kanta), which is responsible for the protection and conservation of the attributes and continues the traditional guardianship.”
These good practices should have been further promoted by studies and intercultural platforms.
The culture of preserving and developing the ecosystem sustains to some degree in modern Ethiopia too. Emperor Menelik is credited with the importation of Eucalyptus tree which is a popular tree plant in the capital Addis Ababa and elsewhere in Ethiopia. Dick Warner of the Irish monitor once wrote article entitled “The fascinating history of the humble Eucalyptus.” Warner said: “He imported the tree and established plantations all around his new capital. It grew exceptionally well and could be coppiced on an annual or bi-annual basis to produce a sustainable supply of fuel for the inhabitants of the new city to cook with.”
Tree plantation was anchored in state policy during Emperor Haileselassie and president Mengistu’s regime Derg. They have been photographed planting seedlings and encouraging people to do the same. On one occasion Emperor Haileselassie said, “It is our wish and our desire that each and every citizen of our country follow the example we set on this Arbour Day in planting this tree, and himself plant as many trees as he can, for his own benefit as well as for the benefit of future generations.”
EPRDF widens reforestation campagin as nations forest coverage slumps from 30% to 4%. Various non governmental institutions and Ethiopian friends supported this intiative through financial, technical support and other ways. Seedling plantation became essential as Ethiopia begins construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Former Prime Ministers Meles Zenawi and Hailemariam Desalegn have been leading nationwide campaigns. They photographed planting seedlings and gave speeches on significances of plantation. They also urged different parts of the society to be active participant in the campaigns. This tradition continued and reached to this day. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD)’s government made tree plantation at the heart of its policies. Billions of trees are reportedly planted during the past five years.
Benefitted from the fruits of this day’s scheme, it is likely future generation to sustain this invaluable trend. Like the plantation however constant protection and treatment would be necessary.
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
The Ethiopian Herald July 16/2023
