The Environmental Impact of EBA on Ethiopia. Wubalem Tadesse Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute

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1 The Environmental Impact of EBA on Ethiopia Wubalem Tadesse Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute 1

2 Contents of the presentation Introduction Major Forest Resources Major Challenges In Environment and Forestry sectors Impacts of environmental problems Opportunities for Environment and forest sector in Ethiopia Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute Conclusion 2

3 INTRODUCTION Ethiopia is endowed with diverse ecosystems in which diverse flora and fauna as well as microbial resources are found. About 6500 vascular plants are known to exist About 12 percent are endemic is center of origin as well as diversity for major agricultural crops About 9 vegetation types are recognized 3

4 INTRODUCTION contd Diverse agroecology Altitude vary, from 120 mbsl to 4,620 masl m High lands m -125 m Low lands

5 FOREST RESOURCES

6 FOREST TYPES High forests Woodlands Shrublands Plantations bamboos 6

7 NTFPs in Ethiopia The most important NTFPs in the country include: natural gums (gum arabic, frankincense, myrrh, etc.), wild coffee, spices and condiments, wild honey and bees wax, bamboo, essential oils from aromatic plants Medicinal plants, etc.

8 CONTRIBUTION OF THE FOREST SECTOR Contribution to poverty alleviation and enhancing food and forest products security Contribution to the agriculture and related sectors Potential values from forest ecosystems and environmental services Job creation and income generation opportunities Social-economic and ecological benefits 8

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10 Major challenges Population increase Lack of proper land use planning Over grazing (Free grazing) Deforestation and forest degradation (main drivers are small-scale agricultural expansion and fuel wood consumption) Lack of proper commertial forest development programs Soil erosion and loss of agricultural productivity Dependance on rain-fed agriculture Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services Spread of invasive alien species, unwise use of natural resources 10 illegal logging and forest fires

11 Major challenges Water Pollution in urban and rural areas Over reliance on biomass energy Lack of access to modern energy services at the rural areas Inadequate waste management infrastructure and services in urban areas Indoor air contamination Weak capacity in environmental management Lack of Synchronization of natural resources, environmental and water related issues Vulnerability to natural disasters 11

12 Major environmental impacts

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14 Source: NFSDP (2016)

15 Total production (cum meter) 160, , , ,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 Fig.1. Trend of domestic industrial wood production ( ) Year Trend in industrial wood import bill (in USD) for wood based products in Ethiopia Ethiopia Custom and Revenue Authority (ECRA) data (Source: NFSDP, (2016)

16 Depletion of indigenous tree species IUCN Red list species in Ethiopia (selected) B. Ogadensis (CR) B. Pirrotae (VU) Commiphora monoica, (CR) Moringa rivae (VU) (Vivero et al., 2005). Etc.... Cordeauxia edulis Vitellaria paradoxa

17 Siltation in our lakes and dams 17

18 Soil Erosion Soil degradation is the most immediate environmental problem facing Ethiopia. Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of soil nutrient depletion in sub- Saharan Africa. it takes 500 to thousands of years to create an inch of topsoil.

19 Lack of proper urban greening and Urban pollution

20 Environmental and water pollution

21 Opportunities for Environment and forest sector Market for forest products Carbon trading etc,

22 Opportunities Government s commitment (Federal and regional's) Government strategies (CRGE and GTPs) Establishment of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change REDD+ implementation Establishment of Environment and Forest Research Institute Support of international partners to forest and environment program Massive and participatory afforestation/reaforestation, soil conservation programs Best practices on PFM and Exclosure programs Increased global concern over deforestation and climate change High demand for forest products locally & internationally National Forest Sector Development Program (10 year development program) 22

23 Opportunities (Environment) The Ethiopian Constitution provides basic and comprehensive principles and guidelines for environmental protection and management. The Constitution states that everyone has the right to live in a clean and healthy environment and the Government will make every effort to provide such an environment. A number of proclamations and supporting regulations were made that contain provisions for the protection and management of the environment which reflect the principles of the Constitution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY The first comprehensive statement of Environmental Policy for the Ethiopia was approved by the Council of Ministers in April, The 'overall policy goal is to improve and enhance the health and quality of life of all Ethiopians and to promote sustainable social and economic development. 23

24 Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute (EEFRI) EEFRI is established by integrating forestry and Environment research in December 26, 2014

25 EEFRI Research Centers Mekele EFRC Bahir Dar EFRC Central Ethiopia EFRC) Wood Technology RC Dire Dawa EFRC Jimma EFRC Hawassa EFRC

26 EEFRI strategy VISION To be a center of excellence in Environment, Forest and Climate change research among the top five countries in Africa by 2025

27 Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute RESEARCH areas 1. Plantation and Agro-forestry 2. Forest Resources Utilization 3. Ecosystem management 4. Forest Protection 5. Climate Science 6. Environmental Pollution management 7. Environment laboratory 8. Socio-economic, Policy, Extension & Gender 9. Forest Seed 10. Biometrics, GIS and Database 27

28 Conclusion Let us join hands: for sustainable forest development, clean environment and climate change resilient economy!!

29 Thank you 29