ADDIS ABABA- Cognizant of Abbay Dam’s far-reaching benefits to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, the Nile lower riparian community needs to give avid support to the project, an expert in the issue said.
Accordingly, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Genetic Resources Access and Benefit Sharing Research Lead Executive Officer Abiyot Berhanu (PhD) told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that downstream countries must pay heed and support to the entire progress and sustainability of the dam.
Mentioning the fruitful diplomatic activities that have been made so far, the researcher called for the international and regional communities’ recognition for Abbay Dam’s role in the development of biodiversity. The iconic dam is also instrumental to curtail the effects of climate change and ensure mutual benefit.
Apart from utilizing the Abbay River for preserving biodiversity, river basins and Green Legacy activities should also be strengthened to help protect the dam from sediment.
Upon completion, the dam would be favorable not only for microorganisms but also for large aquatic creatures and birds. Besides, it would be the right place for plants, animals, and other ecosystems for both inter and intra basin countries, he elaborated.
Abiyot (PhD) further highlighted that water basin activities that are taking place in the area and on the trans-boundary tributary rivers contribute a lot to biodiversity, tourism and, agricultural development. Similarly, such activities are of great significance to preserve soil fertility and provide Nile downstream countries with immense water resources.
“Therefore, this is the right time for all Nile riparian countries to develop and leverage the Abbay Dam-provided golden opportunities in a proper manner.”
Ethiopians and foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin and other stakeholders should supplement the government’s Green Legacy Initiative and other related activities in a bid to inform Abbay Dam virtues to the rest of the world, the expert pleaded.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
The Ethiopian Herald April 3/2024
