The South Western part of Ethiopia is well known for its dense, natural and indigenous forest resources. In addition, to their role in balancing the ecosystem, the forest can be harnessed for food, drinks, spices, medicinal and tourism purposes.
Yet, like many of the natural resources in the country, the forest in these areas are vulnerable to various causes of damage and need the necessary intervention to rescue them. Successful rehabilitation and conservation of the forestry will add their potential to be registered as world heritages by UNESCO further increasing their contribution for the economy of the country.
Ethiopia’s forests play a vital role in supporting the environment, economy, and livelihoods of its people. In the southern regions of Ethiopia, particularly in places like Benchi Sheko, forestry has been a significant focus due to the region’s rich biodiversity and forest resources.
The region is home to various forest types, such as moist evergreen forests and dry woodlands. These forests provide invaluable ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil erosion prevention, and habitat for numerous plant and animal species. This forest plays a vital role in protecting watersheds and regulating water resources. The conservation and sustainable management of forests are crucial for maintaining water quality, reducing soil erosion, and ensuring a stable water supply for communities.
The forestry sector in Bench Sheko zone and surrounding areas plays a crucial role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities, timber resources, and non-timber forest products, and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.
Goji Kaisa, Head of Natural Resources Forestry and Environmental Protection in the Bench Sheko Zone Agriculture Department, told The Ethiopian Herald that forestry covers 406,849 hectares of land in the Bench Sheko Zone, while natural forest covers approximately 221,000 hectares of land.
According to him, in this natural dense forest, about 108 associations are working to conserve and develop the forest. He also stated that these associations have generally provided jobs for about 13,000 individuals.
Studies show that the dense forest of the Bench Sheko zone has a variety of native flora. The forests of Bench Sheko are a source of valuable timber species like African mahogany, juniper, and various indigenous hardwoods, which are utilized for construction, furniture making, and other industries.
He mentioned that other communities in the area use trees that have fallen for a variety of woodworking activities. Moreover, the forests in Bench Sheko support the livelihoods of local communities through the collection of non-timber forest products such as honey, medicinal plants, wild fruits, and mushrooms. These resources are often harvested sustainably and contribute to the income and food security of the communities living in and around the forested areas.
Each forest type supports a unique array of plant and animal species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. This forest supports a diverse range of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
He said that numerous animals were using this dense forest as a place to live. He mentioned that there are other animals in the dense forest, such as lions, buffaloes, elephants, and an array of indigenous birds.
Furthermore, notable species found in the region include the Ethiopian wolf, Menelik’s bushbuck, and various primates such as the black-and-white monkey. A protecting and managing forest habitat is essential for the conservation of these unique and often endangered species.
In addition to agroforestry, forest-farming systems are practiced in Bench Sheko zone and other southern regions of Ethiopia. These efforts involve the cultivation of various crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and spices, within or near forested areas. Forest-farming systems promote sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and the diversification of income sources for local communities.
According to him, the local community endeavors to ensure food security in addition to preserving the natural landscape by planting cash crops, coffee trees, and fruit items as part of the green legacy program.
He further stated that the forests of Bench Sheko Zone are rich in medicinal plants, which have been traditionally used by local communities for medicinal purposes. Traditional medicine plays a significant role in the healthcare practices of the region, and the sustainable utilization of medicinal plants is essential for preserving cultural heritage and supporting traditional healthcare systems, he added.
Through the absorption and storage of carbon, it has also helped to mitigate climate change. Ethiopia has taken a leading role in global programs like Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), which offers financial incentives to countries in order to encourage environmentally friendly forest management and decrease deforestation.
He said, “In our zone, establishing forest user groups encourages communities to participate in benefit-sharing arrangements, decision-making processes, and the monitoring and preservation of forest resources.”
Community-based forest management initiatives have been developed in Bench Sheko Zone to guarantee the active participation of local communities in the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the forest. To preserve and responsibly use the country’s forests, the regional government has put in place a number of policies, plans, and initiatives. This includes initiatives to stop deforestation, promote afforestation and replanting, and involve nearby communities in the management and conservation of forests.
Addressing issues like deforestation, climate change, and unwise ways of using land requires cooperation between government agencies, community members, researchers, and foreign partners. To sustainably conserve Ethiopia’s southern forests, it is essential that local communities, government officials, and other stakeholders continue to work together.
Additionally, the regional government has been trying to strengthen the capacity of forestry institutions, increase forest governance, and adopt sustainable forestry practices in partnership with international organizations and partners. This includes campaigns to support agroforestry, restore degraded areas, and increase public understanding of the value of forests and biodiversity preservation.
For the benefit of both the present and the future generation, Ethiopia can guarantee the long-term resilience and safety of its forests in the southern areas, particularly Bench Sheko, by putting a high priority on sustainable forest management and conservation.
In order to register this dense forest with UNESCO, he further disclosed that the zonal authorities are engaged in various activities to get these natural forests under UNESCOs list of world heritage in collaboration with Mizan Tepi University and the state administration.
According to him, the overall balance of the natural environment is preserved by this dense forest, which also reduces the effects of climate change and the deterioration of the water and soil. In addition, the hot springs, waterfalls, and more caves inside can boost the tourism industry and provide income and jobs for the surrounding community.
Moreover, research institutions and organizations are conducting studies and monitoring programs to better understand the ecological processes, biodiversity, and ecosystem services provided by the forests of Bench Sheko. This research helps inform conservation strategies, improve forest management practices, and guide policy decisions related to forestry and environmental protection.
Ethiopia is striving to preserve and use its forests in a way that balances the requirements of the environment, society, and the economy by embracing an integrated approach to forestry that combines conservation, sustainable management, and community involvement. Bench Sheko’s forests are still valuable resources that benefit the local residents, economy, and ecology of the area in many ways.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 DECEMBER 2023
