The Ethiopian mountains offer numerous environmental benefits to the surrounding city and regional towns. From conservation efforts that preserve biodiversity to the positive impact on air quality and the creation of natural wind barriers, these mountains play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and enhancing the overall quality of life in Ethiopia.
In Ethiopia, the mountains are home to diverse ecosystems and endemic species. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting these mountains help safeguard the unique flora and fauna found in the region. City and regional towns benefit from the presence of these protected areas as they attract nature enthusiasts and researchers interested in studying and observing the rich biodiversity. The conservation of these habitats contributes to the ecological health of the surrounding areas, maintaining a balance in the local ecosystems.
The Ethiopian mountains serve as natural air purifiers, playing a vital role in improving air quality. The dense vegetation in these mountains helps filter pollutants from the air, reducing the impact of air pollution on nearby cities and towns. As prevailing winds carry air masses across the mountains, particulate matter and pollutants are trapped, leading to cleaner air in the surrounding areas.
It provides invaluable environmental benefits to the city and regional towns in a country. Through conservation efforts, they preserve biodiversity and protect unique ecosystems. These mountains contribute to improved air quality and reduce the impact of air pollution on nearby communities. Additionally, their role as a natural wind guardian shields the surrounding areas from strong winds, ensuring the safety of human settlements. Also, this natural wind protection helps prevent damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands, ensuring the safety and well-being of the local population.
Moreover, the scenic landscapes and picturesque valleys contribute to the tourism industry in these areas. The revenue generated from tourism helps support local businesses, infrastructure development, and community projects, creating a sustainable source of income for the region. Overall, the Ethiopian mountains serve as vital environmental assets, enhancing the quality of life for those living in the city and regional towns.
Currently, in Ethiopia, due to the rise of population and urbanization, mountains offer abundant natural resources that serve as essential building materials for construction projects. The mountains are rich in resources such as stone, sand, gravel, and timber. These materials are extracted from the mountains and used for various construction purposes, including building foundations, walls, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. The availability of these resources locally reduces construction costs and supports the development of robust and sustainable infrastructure.
Director, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Directorate at EEPA, Tolosa Yadessa, told the Ethiopian Press Agency that despite the fact that mountains are a source of construction and other infrastructure, they are vulnerable to deforestation and land degradation in the Ethiopian mountains.
He also stated that the need for raw materials impacts biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the overall health of the mountains. Also, unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing and uncontrolled farming, degrade the mountains’ ecosystems and contribute to soil erosion.
In this sense, issues with restoration are seen when mountains are mined because of the desire for sources of different building materials. Also, the authority would carry out a study in collaboration with several stakeholders when projects aim to extract building materials from mountains.
He stated that he would oversee and take charge of the restoration of mountains that had been dug out for buildings, roads, bridges, and other industrial purposes.
He further stated that mountains, beyond their importance, play a crucial role in mitigating natural disasters such as landslides and floods. The mountains act as natural barriers, protecting cities and regional towns from the destructive forces of these events. Also, this natural protection allows for safer urban planning and development, reducing the risks associated with natural disasters and ensuring the long-term sustainability of infrastructure projects, he added.
So, to address these challenges, the government promotes sustainable agricultural practices, including terracing, crop rotation, and agroforestry, to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. Provide training and support to farmers, encouraging them to adopt sustainable land-use practices. Implement land-use planning strategies that consider the ecological carrying capacity of the mountains, he added.
To address the issues of environmental damage in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) is making strides towards enacting a comprehensive draft law on environmental crime prevention and litigation. Mesfin Tadesse, who spoke on behalf of the Head of Law and Regulations Desk at EEPA, emphasized the pressing need for stronger regulations to safeguard the environment.
He told The Ethiopian Press Agency, that the insufficiency of existing rules in protecting the environment and stressed the urgency of elevating environmental protection efforts to the required level. In this sense, the EEPA has meticulously crafted a draft bill that includes provisions for the establishment of a specialist court dedicated to environmental resource conservation.
He stated that, drawing inspiration from successful models implemented in various countries, the proposed bill aims to address the dearth of a dedicated court system to handle environmental criminals. He emphasized that the bill incorporates specialized strategies tailored to the unique nature of environmental crimes, taking into account the current state of affairs across the country.
He further stated that the draft bill aims to improve information gathering and improve the environmental administration of justice, while also delineating the roles of courts, police, prosecutors, and judges in preventing environmental crimes within the community. This holistic approach ensures that all stakeholders are actively involved in preserving the nation’s precious natural resources, he added.
Tolesa remarked that we should enhance capacity-building programs to empower local communities, equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for sustainable resource management, and foster collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector to develop comprehensive strategies for conservation and sustainable development.
Conduct awareness campaigns to educate local communities about the importance of conservation, the value of natural resources, and the benefits of sustainable practices. by uses various channels, such as workshops, community meetings, radio programs, and social media, to disseminate information effectively, he said.
Mesfin stated that in his part to provide environmental education in schools, incorporating conservation topics into the curriculum. He further stated that, in a further display of commitment to combating environmental crimes, the EEPA has engaged in fruitful discussions with the Ethiopian Police University. As a result, an agreement has been reached to introduce educational courses on environmental criminality, enhancing the knowledge and skills of law enforcement personnel in effectively tackling these offenses.
This helps instill a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age and empowers the younger generation to actively participate in conservation efforts. Also, encourage a sense of ownership and empowerment by involving local communities in decision-making processes related to conservation initiatives.
With the proposed legislation and the collaboration between the EEPA and law enforcement agencies, Ethiopia is poised to take a significant stride forward in preserving its environment and holding criminals of environmental crimes accountable. The draft law marks a pivotal moment in the country’s commitment to sustainable development and underscores its determination to protect its natural heritage for future generations.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 10 MARCH 2024
