As it is geographically located in the East Africa region, Ethiopia is benefiting from export trade especially from European countries, which provide raw agricultural materials.
Despite the benefits gained from these countries, the East Africa region, including Ethiopia, is severely exposed to carbon gas emission from the giant industries of Western countries.
However, unless the two continents cooperate, they will continue to be hampered by the increasing impacts of climate change. For example, huge industries in European countries may shut down due to raw material shortages, leading to bankruptcy. This reality binds European countries with East African countries, especially Ethiopia.
With a total population of over 120 million people, Ethiopia has been making strides against climate change through various programs. Through its Green Legacy initiative implemented since 2019, the country has exceeded its goal of planting 20 million trees within four years by planting over 25 million saplings.
This success was achieved through public participation and government commitment, with support from partners in the area.
In 2021, as part of Ethiopia’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, the government announced ambitious emission cuts and commitments, including reducing emissions by 68 percent by 2030 and reforesting and restoring up to 15 million hectares.
Norway has been a key supporter of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy programs, maintaining a strong relationship in the battle against climate change since the launch of the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy in Durban in 2011. An agreement was signed in February 2024 at Addis Ababa University to strengthen the partnership between Norway and Ethiopia on climate change and environmental issues.
The agreement focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, conserving forest carbon stocks, sustainable forest management, and enhancing forest carbon stocks (REDD+). It aims to promote sustainable development, protect the country’s natural environment, and enhance climate resilience in line with Ethiopia’s national contributions, green economy strategy, and low-emission development strategy.
During the event at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia’s Agriculture Minister Girma Amente (PhD) expressed the agreement’s potential to achieve sustainable development goals and Ethiopia’s commitment to fighting climate change.
Minister of Finance Ahmed Shidie emphasized the partnership’s importance in addressing climate change and reducing poverty in Ethiopia.
Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Eriksen highlighted the agreement’s role in reducing climate change internationally and in Ethiopia. Norway’s support of $75 million for Ethiopia’s forestry work was a significant contribution to Ethiopia’s efforts.
Mari Martinsen, an adviser of Climate, Environment, and Forest at the Norwegian Embassy, emphasized the importance of protecting forests for a sustainable future and combating climate change. She commended Ethiopia’s ambitious plan to halt deforestation while ensuring food production and alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative has supported Ethiopia in protecting natural forests and rehabilitating degraded landscapes to promote food production and restore water sources.
Norway also promotes innovative practices and provides satellite images to monitor forests and take action.
The partnership between Norway and Ethiopia demonstrates a shared commitment to green development and climate action. Norway will continue to support Ethiopia’s efforts in climate change mitigation, forestry, and food security until 2030, allowing Ethiopia to access carbon credits and other financial resources.
The agreement will strengthen Ethiopia’s forest development and biodiversity protection, building on successful initiatives like the Green Legacy program. Norway’s ongoing support for Ethiopia’s climate and biodiversity protection efforts reflects a shared commitment togreen development and climate resilience.
Given the threat of climate change to biodiversity and future generations, comprehensive support is essential from all parties. Norway’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s climate-related efforts until 2030 ensures continued progress in forestry development, climate change mitigation, and food security.
The partnership agreement will enable Ethiopia to access carbon credits and other financial resources, further enhancing its efforts in forest development and biodiversity protection. Ethiopia’s success in biodiversity protection positions it as a global leader, with two of the 36 areas worldwide showing notable achievements in this area.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 21 MAY 2024
