International Biodiversity Day celebrated in Ethiopia at national and regional level
International Biodiversity Day celebrated at national level in Ethiopia
International Biodiversity Day was celebrated in May 20, 2022 at national level at the Inter Lexury Hotel under the theme "Building a Shared Future for All Life".
At the opening of the day, Dr. Gemedo Dale, Green Global Growth Institute Ethiopia (GGGI), Country Representative Ethiopia, said that it is helpful to generate information on the conservation of biodiversity and deliver it to the concerned body, and show the measures or actions to be taken.
A research work on the International Biodiversity Day was presented by Dr. Melesse Maryo, Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, and mentioned the measures to be taken for the sustainable use of biodiversity. He added the purpose of the day is to raise awareness, promote best practices and gain the support from the partners for biodiversity conservation.
Abdeta Robi, program officer of the BIODEV 2030 project Ethiopia, presented a document on the BIODEV 2030 National Diagnostic Result on the threats to the Ethiopian Biodiversity.
On the day, representatives from policymakers, Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations, Community elders, Researchers, Private sectors and Media participated, and the discussion was held and the consensus has been achieved in that participants decided and committed to transform approaches of Biodiversity conservation.
International Biodiversity Day celebrated at regional level in Ethiopia
“Dae Bushhu!!” "Welcome to Sidama Regional State, a potentially biodiversity rich region" said Ato Shetaye Yumura, Director General of the Sidama Regional State Environment, Forest and Climate Change Authority.
Sidama Regional State Environment, Forest and Climate Change Authority in collaboration with the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) and PELUM Ethiopia held a consultation forum on biodiversity and ecological services in Hawassa City.
"The forum aimed to celebrate International Biodiversity Day for the first time at Sidama Regional level," Shetaye said.
He called on stakeholders to play a leading role in conserving and studying the Region's biodiversity, and the associated existing community knowledge, and historical and natural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Feleke Woldeyes, Deputy Director General of the EBI said that the 30-years old Biodiversity convention was signed in Rio de Janeiro, and now we are able to celebrate the day at Regional and District level. He added that caution should be exercised as population and the economic growth have their own negative effect on the environment and biodiversity.
Dr. Hailu Araya, PELUM Ethiopia Director General of Ethiopia said that “The farmer has a proven track record in practice. Listening to the farmer broadens the researcher's horizons and it lays a solid foundation for research”.
The Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Dr. Melesse Maryo, said the 21st International Biodiversity Day (IDB) is being celebrated in Hawassa, the capital of the Sidama Region under the theme "Building a Shared Future for All Life". He mentioned that raising the awareness among the society members enables citizens to realize threats to Biodiversity, capture good practices, and support Biodiversity conservation by diverse means.