Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) is leading ambitious initiatives to protect and restore the nation’s rich biodiversity, primarily through its collaboration with various stakeholders on the Green Legacy Initiative (GLI).
This nationwide effort aims to significantly enhance Ethiopia’s environmental sustainability and foster a healthier ecosystem.
Karta Kaskie, Director General of the Institute, told ENA that the Institute is working closely with partners to implement effective strategies for reforestation and ecosystem restoration across the country.
He emphasized that the collective efforts of all involved are crucial to achieving the GLI’s ambitious goals and securing a greener future for Ethiopia.
The director general heighted that whiles the GLI primarily focuses on forestry recovery; this process naturally leads to the revival of biodiversity, making it a significant opportunity for the conservation and protection of Ethiopia’s biodiversity heritage.
To support this national undertaking, EBI is diligently working to ensure a steady supply of indigenous seedlings, with the support and collaboration of regional administrations, he said, noting that the institute operates 10 centers across various regions of Ethiopia and is currently preparing seedlings for planting in the coming weeks.
EBI’s commitment extends to the conservation of local species, including indigenous plants, animals, and microorganisms.
The Institute aims to preserve the biodiversity essential for the region’s ecological balance, safeguarding native species against threats such as habitat loss and climate change.
By focusing on these vital ecosystem components, EBI underscores its dedication to maintaining Ethiopia’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities through the effective implementation of GLI.
In the Benishangul Gumuz region, a specific EBI center in Assosa town is dedicated to studying, gathering, and utilizing the biodiversity resources of the Nile basin, particularly in relation to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
This center is also conducting extensive research on various plants with potential uses as medicinal remedies and animal feed, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to explore the multifaceted applications of these plants for the success of GLI.
He further stated that EBI has given special attention to endangered and economically significant species. More than 3,000 bottles of indigenous plant species have been collected and preserved, underscoring the importance of safeguarding biodiversity while recognizing their ecological and potential economic value.
According to him, these genetic heritages, present in Ethiopia for centuries, possess a remarkable ability to withstand climate change challenges and hold significant potential to enhance food security for the entire society.
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