ethiopian protected areas a 'snapshot' march 2012

Ethiopian Protected Areas

A ‘Snapshot’ March 2012

A REFERENCE GUIDE

FOR FUTURE STRATEGIC PLANNING

AND PROJECT FUNDING

A U T H O R : J A M E S Y O U N G

Ethiopian Protected Areas, A ‘Snapshot’, March 2012

James Young ([email protected]) 02/04/2012 2

C O N T E N T S

Foreword 3

Acknowledgements 3

Introduction 4

Ethiopia Biodiversity 5 1. Protected Areas of Ethiopia

1.1 National Parks 8 1.2 Wildlife Sanctuaries 9 1.3 Wildlife Reserves 9 1.4 Community Conservation Areas 9 1.5 Wildlife Rescue Centres 9 1.6 Controlled Hunting Areas 9 1.7 Community Managed Ecotourism and hunting areas 9 1.8 Open Hunting Areas 10 1.9 Wildlife Ranches 10 1.10 Botanical Gardens and Herbariums 10 1.11 Biosphere Reserves 10 1.12 National Priority Forest Areas 10-12 1.13 Forestry Areas 12 1.14 Land Protected by Belief Systems 12 1.15 Ministry of Defence Lands 12 1.16 Forest and Plant Scientific Research Projects 12 1.17 Municipal Parks 12

2. Ethiopian Government Institutions

2.1 Federal Government 14-16 2.2 Regional Government 17

3. Wildlife Conservation Institutions, Organisations and Projects

3.1 International NGOs 19-20 3.2 Local NGOs 20-21 3.3 Conservation Projects 21-22 3.4 Scientific Research Projects 22 3.5 Associations 22

4. Environment Conservation Institutions, Organisations and Projects

4.1 International environmental NGOs 24-25 4.2 Local environmental NGOs 26-29 4.3 Parastatal Organisations and Projects 29-30 4.4 Environmental Scientific Research Projects 30 4.5 Botanical Gardens and Herbariums 31 4.6 Land Protected by Belief Systems 31 4.7 Environmental Associations and Working Groups 32

5 Business Initiatives in protected areas 5.1 Ecotourism 34-37 5.2 Hunting 37 5.3 Live animal export 37 5.4 Animal ranching 37-38 5.5 Food and other natural products 38 5.6 Forest revenues from reduced carbon emissions 38-40

6 Donor Organisations 42-45

C Contact information C1-C15



F O R E W O R D

The sharing of information between Federal and Regional Government Organisations, Non Government Organisations (NGOs), Scientific Researchers, Project teams, Donors and Communities highlights conservation successes and failures, promotes best practice, avoids duplication and creates partnership opportunities.

To better understand ‘who is doing what’ to conserve Ethiopian protected land areas, for six weeks in February and March 2012, I completed an independent study.

I met with representatives of Federal and Regional Government departments, NGOs and donor agencies. Everyone welcomed the idea of the ‘snapshot’ and the opportunity to view a ‘bigger picture’ of current environmental conservation of Ethiopian protected land areas.

I appreciate that this is not a definitive survey. I have tried to discover and meet with as many organisations as I could. There are several gaps. If I have indicated the need for an update meeting either I failed to contact a representative of that organisation, or they did not have the time to meet me. I am sure I will have omitted several organisations, for which I apologise. I am sending it out as two PDF files (main text and contact list), however if anyone would like the Microsoft Word version of the document and Excel version of the contact list so they can update or adapt them, please let me know.

Ethiopia is changing fast and this ‘snapshot’ will soon be out of date. I hope that even for a short time it will be a useful resource document; linking donors with projects, identifying gaps and providing opportunities for government and non-government organisations and donors to share experiences.

It is intended as a reference tool and can be used in whole or part with no restriction.

Lastly, I am unabashed to admit I would love to find a new project in Ethiopia, so please let me know anyone who needs a project manager!

James Young ([email protected])

A B O U T T H E A U T H O R

James Young started his working life in the corporate world. He co-founded and managed a group of eight communications businesses in London. Following the sale of the group, he was Head of Design for The Body Shop International before dedicating his time to wildlife conservation. James has managed projects in countries in Africa and Central America and India. Achievements include setting up successful livelihood development initiatives with communities living close to protected areas.

For the last four years James has worked in Ethiopia, working for one year in Omo National Park and then for three years as Country Director for Born Free Foundation during which time he set up the Ethiopian office from scratch, recruited and trained staff and finalised a concession agreement with the Oromiya National Regional State for a 78 hectare site close to Holeta on which a Wildlife Rescue Centre is being constructed.

A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S

Many thanks to everyone who gave so much time to share information, organisational strategies and the current status of projects.



I N T R O D U C T I O N

The primary goal of the Ethiopian Government remains the alleviation of poverty through food production and investment policies that attract hard currency. Development requires the input of natural resources, however it is essential that these resources are used sustainably.

Climate change will also affect ecosystems and increase pressure on natural resources. Recognising the importance of climate change, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi attended recent United Nations Climate talks and the Ethiopian Government has considered mitigation strategies in both the Growth and Development Plan (GDP) and Ethiopia’s Programme of Adaptation to Climate Change (EPACC). With support from the United Kingdom, the Global Green Growth Institute and the UNDP, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is developing the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE), a strategic framework for adaptation and mitigation.

Mitigation strategies currently in hand include adjusting farming systems to become more responsive to climate variability, adopting alternative energy sources and increasing levels of soil carbon sequestration. However a key mitigation strategy, the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, needs urgent support.

Throughout the country there are many designated protected areas of land including National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Priority Forests, Biosphere Reserves and Community Conservation Areas. These not only act as biodiversity ‘banks’, but also provide important spiritual places and centres for traditional ecological knowledge. These protected areas can also have a direct economical benefit; bringing in revenues from tourism and carbon trading.

Ethiopia’s protected areas are increasingly degraded. Land is being converted for subsistence and commercial agriculture, timber used for fuel wood and construction, protected grasslands used for livestock grazing. The loss of forests and other protected land is underpinned by a growing population, unsustainable natural resource management, poor enforcement of existing legislation, uncertain land tenure and very low public awareness of the impact of climate change and the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Despite the protection guaranteed to National Parks in the most recent Wildlife Proclamation, parts of Omo and Mago National Parks have been given for sugar plantations, agricultural expansion threatens part of Gambella National Park, and permanent human settlements in Bale Mountains, Awash, Simien Mountains, and Abijata Shala National Parks increasingly upset the ecosystem. Even the boundaries of the only legally gazetted National Parks, Awash and Simien Mountains, are being reviewed.

Preservation of Ethiopia’s biodiversity of species and ecosystems is vital to ensure sustainable growth, to mitigate the effects of climate change and to avoid the collapse of life support systems.

Unless Ethiopia rapidly increases the protection of its biodiversity, the combination of the effects of climate change and unsustainable development will cause an environmental disaster that will assuredly result in increased levels of poverty.



E T H I O P I A B I O D I V E R S I T Y , E C O S Y S T E M S A N D E C O L O G I C A L P R O C E S S E S

Adapted from Project Document, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility. Full Project: Sustainable Development of the Protected Area System of Ethiopia (SDPASE).

Ethiopia is a landlocked country with an area of 1.13 million km² (of which 1.12 million km² are land). It is bordered to the north by Eritrea, to the east by Djibouti and Somalia, to the south by Kenya and to the west by North Sudan and South Sudan.

The biogeography of the country is characterized by two dominant features - first, the ancient, arid areas of the Horn of Africa, with its three centres of endemism one of which, the Ogaden, falls within Ethiopia. The mesic highland plateaux are the second biogeographical feature. Although relatively young in evolutionary terms and has experienced relative climatic instability over the past 1.5 million years (both in contrast to the arid Horn), highland isolation has resulted in significant endemism. Overall, therefore, while the arid Horn and young highlands are relatively impoverished in species number, the levels of endemism are high. Therefore, Ethiopia has over 6,000 species of vascular plant (with 625 endemic species and 669 near-endemic species, and one endemic plant genus), 860 avian species (16 endemic species and two endemic genera), 279 species of mammal (35 endemic species and six endemic genera), 201 species of reptile (14 endemic species), 23 species of amphibians (23 endemic species), 150 freshwater fish (6 endemic species).

The vegetation of the country falls into five recognized biomes: Sudanian, Congo-Guinean, Sahel arid zone, Somali-Maasai, and the Afro-tropical and montane. These can be further sub-divided into ten broad ecosystems:

i Afro-alpine and sub-alpine ii Dry evergreen montane forest and grassland iii Moist evergreen montane forest iv Moist evergreen lowland forest v Congo-Guinean forest vi Acacia woodland and thickets vii Acacia-Commiphora woodland viii Combretum-Terminalia woodland/savannah ix Lakes, wetlands & river systems x Arid ecosystems

There are a number of charismatic flagship species, most notably the gelada (an endemic genus, Theropithecus, and the world’s only grazing primate), the mountain nyala, the Ethiopian wolf, the walia ibex and the giant lobelia.

The global significance of the area has been recognized through Conservation International’s Biodiversity Hotspots. The country spans two Hotspots: the Horn of Africa and the Ethiopian Highlands (which is included in the Eastern Afro-montane Hotspot). The areas included in the Hotspots covers the majority of the country, including the entire eastern area of Ethiopia below 1,100m ASL and all highland areas above 1,100m ASL.

There is a further critical aspect to the environment – the ecological processes. There are seven major river basins (Webe Shebelle, Awash, Omo, Juba and Blue Nile) – comprised of the Takeze, Baro-Akobo and Abbai; in the highlands of Ethiopia that provide water for the people, livestock, wildlife and riparian vegetation in the lowlands. This is the highland-lowland system where resources are not equally distributed but are dynamically interlinked. Thus, the people, livestock, wildlife and riparian vegetation in the lowlands are dependent on the good management and protection of the watersheds in the highlands.



1. Ethiopia Protected Land Areas



Ethiopia National Parks

Adapted from EWCA map

Ethiopia National Parks Key

1 Kafta Shiraro 2 Semien Mountains 3 Alatish 4 Bahir Dar Blue Nile

River Millennium 5 Borena Sayut 6 Yagudi-Rassa 7 Awash 8 Dati Wolel 9 Bale Mountains 10 Yabello 11 Abjata Shala 12 Arsi Mountains 13 Geralle 14 Gambella 15 Nechsar 16 Omo 17 Mago 18 Maze 19 Gibe Sheleka 20 Lake Abaya 21 Chebra Churchura

21

1

2

3

4

20

6

7 8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15

16 17

18

19

5



1. Ethiopia Protected Areas

Name Region Year est.

Area in sq.km

Gazetted Managed by

Status

1.1 National Parks 1 Kafeta Shiraro Tigray 1999 5000 - 2 Semien Mountains Amhara 1959 412 Yes, but

now under review?

Fed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boundary demarcation completed. Austrian Development Corporation (ADC) completing facility construction project. Japanese International Cooperation Agency community tourism project started November 2011. Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) project. Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Project (EWCP). Possibility of new project by AWF

3 Alatish Amhara At Regional level

Fed Boundary demarcation completed. ADC recently completed facility construction project. Welt Hunger Hilfe (GAA) Project.

4 Bahir Dar Blue Nile River Millennium

Amhara 2008 4729 - Reg

5 Borena Sayut Amhara 2008 4325 - Reg EWCP

6 Yangudi-Rassa Afar 1969 4731 - Fed

7 Awash Oromiya and Afar

1958 756 Yes, but now under

review?

Fed Permanent settlements and many livestock inside NP

8 Dati Wolel Oromiya 2010 1031 - Reg Was originally controlled hunting area.. Demarcated.

9 Bale Mountains Oromiya 1962 2200 - Reg Permanent settlements and many livestock inside NP. Projects by FZS, EWCP, FARM Africa/ SOS Sahel in Horenna Forest Melca Ethiopia project.

10 Yabello Oromiya 1978 1500 - Reg Almost approved as a National Park. Will include Sarite Plains. Local stakeholder meeting 2010 agreed NP but with reduced overall size. WILDCODE Grevy and Burchill zebra survey in Sarite

11 Abijata Shala Oromiya 1963 887 - Fed Some given for mushroom farm? HoAREC assisting in Eco-tourism project

12 Arsi Mountains Oromiya 2012 Reg Includes 4 blocks incl. Deara Santuary. Boundary of 3 blocks demarcated. EWCP

13 Geralle Somali 1998 3558 - Reg

14 Gambella Gambella 1966 4650 - Fed Land given for agriculture. Boundary demarcation completed. GEF5, EU projects in progress. HoAREC due to start. Possibility of new projects by APN, LCA, WCS? FZS?

15 Nechsar SNNPR 1966 514 Fed

16 Omo SNNPR 1959 3566 At Regional level

Fed South area of Park given to Sugar Plantation

17 Mago SNNPR 1974 1947 - Reg Sugar Plantation? Oil prospecting?

18 Maze SNNPR 1997 202 At Regional level

Reg

19 Gibe Sheleko SNNPR 2001 248 - Reg

20 Loka Abaya SNNPR 2001 500 - Reg

21 Chebra Churchura SNNPR 1997 1190 At Regional level

Reg



Name Region Year

est. Area in sq.km

Gazetted Managed by

Status

1.2 Wildlife Sanctuaries S1 Babille Elephant Sanctuary Oromiya

and Somali

1962 6987 Fed Boundary demarcation completed. EWCA built HQ in Babile Town. Also built 3 scout outposts. One of these acts as entrance gate. WSD elephant collaring project ended

S2 Sinkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary

Oromiya and SNNPR

1964 54 Fed Boundary demarcation completed. Construction of STN Visitors Centre nearing completion.

1.3 Wildlife Reserves WR1 Chelbi SNNPR 4212 Reg WILDCODE Grevy survey WR2 Allidegli (Halaldeghe) Afar Reg WILDCODE Grevy survey. Fanuel from

EWCA PhD Wild Ass and Grevy WR3 Lemo Limo Nature Reserve

(adjoining Simien NP) Amhara ? Tara Primate Centre

1.4 Community Conservation areas CC1 Tama SNNPR - 1665 CC2 Simien Gibe SNNPR 2001 49 CC3 Garameba SNNPR 2001 25 CC4 Guassa Menz Amhara 110 FZS, EWCPt CC5 Abuna Yoseph (nr Lalibela) Amhara 50 FZS project /TESFA looking at community tourism initiative, EWCP CC6 Lepis Forest Oromiya ESTA/HoAREC Ecotourism

1.5 Wildlife Rescue Centres WRC1 Ensessakotteh Wildlife

Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre, Holeta

Oromiya 2009 0.78 Centre being constructed. Have agreement with Forest Research Centre (FRC) and now fenced FRC forest into site

WRC2 Tara Primate Centre Centre in Gondar closed down in 2009. Now situated in Dib Bahir near Debark

1.6 Controlled hunting areas Business with hunting concession

H1 Asbahire Afar 2012 174 Concession to be allocated H 2 Billen Hertele Afar 1,090 Libah Hunting and Photo Safari H 3 Chifera Afar 1998 510 Rocky Valley Hunting Safari H 4 Melka Sedi Afar 2012 122 Concession to be allocated H 5 Telalak-Dewe Afar 457 Travel Ethiopia H 6 Abasheba Demero Oromiya 1994 210 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 7 Alluto Oromiya 280 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 8 Arbagugu Oromiya 1995 341 Libah Hunting and Photo Safari H 9 Besemena-Odobulu Oromiya 1993 350 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 10 Dindin Oromiya 280 Travel Ethiopia H 11 Hanto Oromiya 1991 190 Rocky Valley Hunting Safari H 12 Haro Abadiko Oromiya 2000 200 Travel Ethiopia H 13 Hurfa Soma Oromiya 2000 215 Libah Hunting and Photo Safari H 14 Munessa-Kuke Oromiya 1993 111 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 15 Shedem Berbere Oromiya 1988 170 Travel Ethiopia H 16 Urgan Bula Oromiya 2000 78 Blue Nile Safari H 17 Murulle SNNPR 690 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 18 Welshet-Sala SNNPR 2000 350 Ethiopian Rift Valley Safari H 19 Dembel-Aysho-Adigala Somali 2012 910 Concession to be allocated H 20 Shenile Meto Somali 2012 484 Concession to be allocated

1.7 Community Managed Ecotourism and hunting areas H 21 Sororo-Tergem Oromiya 2000 78 Concession with Travel Ethiopia. Community share 60% of hunting

revenue but not concession H 22 Adaba-Dodola Oromiya 2000 736 Concession with Shield and Speer International. Community share

60% of both concession fee and hunting revenue



Name Location Year

est. Area sq. km

Status

1.8 Open hunting areas (area where any concession holder can apply to hunt designated quota) H 23 Gara Gumbi Oromiya 140 H 24 Gara Miti Oromiya 240 H 25 Sinana Oromiya 15 H 26 Jibat Oromiya 100 H 27 Debre Libanos Oromiya 31 Unique in world with Gelada quota H 28 Gelila Dura Afar 140

1.9 Commercial Ranches CR1 Mullu 3.5 Under construction. CR2 Arbaminch Crocodile Farm SNNPR Government owned CR3 Blen Crocodile Ranch SNNPR Privately owned

1.10 Botanical Gardens and Herbariums BG1 Gullele Addis

Ababa 1995 7 Under construction. Due to be partially opened to the

public June 2012. BG2 National Herbarium

1.11 Biosphere Reserves

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised 580 biosphere reserves worldwide. Biosphere reserves are sites established by countries and recognized under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. As places that seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature, they are ideal to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development from local to international scales. In Ethiopia, Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for all biosphere reserves.

BR1 Yayu Oromiya 2010 467 Recognised by UNESCO 2010 BR2 Kafa Coffee Forest Region SNNPR 2010 760 Recognised by UNESCO 2010. Considered

birthplace of Arabica Coffee. Funding from German NGO, NABU. GEF Project with Institute of Biodiversity Conservation

BR3 Sheka (close to Gambela and Godere)

SNNPR Nominated but not yet recognised by UNESCO Melca Ethiopia project

BR4 Lake Tana Amhara Nominated but not yet recognised by UNESCO. Project of Michael Succow Foundation with NABU

1.12 National Priority Forest Areas (Forest groups divided (a) (b) etc as some areas demarcated and some undemarcated) PF 1 Abelti Gibe Oromiya 173 Demarcated PF 2 Abey-Albasa 95 Demarcated PF 3 Abobo 3,839 Demarcated PF 4 Adaba Dodola Oromiya 726 GIZ PFM Project by Ambero and GITEC PF 5 Alatish Amhara 2,910 PF 6 Aloshe-Batu Oromiya 629 FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 7 Ambalag 317 PF 8 Ambessa Chaka Benishengul

Gumaz 30 FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project

PF 9 Anferara Wadera Oromiya 1,030 Demarcated. FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 10 Angereb 1,030 PF 11 Arba Minch SNNPR 179 PF 12 Arero Oromiya 207 PF 13 Babiya Folla Oromiya 744 Demarcated PF 14 Bako Oromiya 73 PF 15 Belete Oromiya 346 Demarcated. JICA PFM Project PF 16 Bonga 1,623 Demarcated. FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 17 Bore Anferara Oromiya/

SNNPR 2,214 Government Scaling-up PFM Project

PF 18 Bulki-Melokoza SNNPR 1,625 PF 19 Butagira SNNPR 69 PF 20 Chato Sengi Dengeb Oromiya 488 PF 21 Chilimo Gagi (a) Oromiya 8 Demarcated Chilimo Gagi (b) Oromiya 225 Demarcated PF 22 Chillalo-Gelma Oromiya 155 GIZ PFM Project by Ambero and GITEC



PF 23 Demi lebiya Bulk 1,030 PF 24 Dengego-Hawale (a) Oromiya 5 Dengego-Hawale (b) Oromiya 11 PF 25 Denkoro Amhara 1952 381 PF 26 Dess’aa Tigray/Afar 1880 840 Est. Emperor Yohanes 1880. Demarcated 1989 PF 27 Dindin Arba Gugu (a) Oromiya 665 Demarcated. GIZ PFM Project by Ambero and GITEC Dindin Arba Gugu (b) Oromiya 2 Demarcated Dindin Arba Gugu (c) Oromiya 36 Demarcated PF 28 Dire Gerbich Oromiya 40 PF 29 Entoto Forest Addis

Ababa Special Zone and Oromiya

1995 13

PF 30 Gara-Muleta Oromiya 24 PF 31 Gedo Oromiya 128 PF 32 Gera Oromiya 1,154 JICA PFM Project PF 33 Gergeda Oromiya 1,444 Demarcated. FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 34 Gidame Oromiya 76 PF 35 Gidole Kaba 302 PF 36 Godere Gambella 1,346 PF 37 Gonder-Zuria (a) Amhara 115 Gonder-Zuria (b) Amhara 52 PF 38 Goro-Bele Oromiya 1,788 PF 39 Gumbnda Grakaso 226 PF 40 Guna Amhara 219 PF 41 Guraferda Oromiya 401 Demarcated PF 42 Harenna-Kokossa Oromiya 2,430 FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 43 Hirmi 257 PF 44 Ilala Guanga 342 PF 45 Jarso-Gursume Oromiya 488 PF 46 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (a) Oromiya 9 GIZ PFM Project by Ambero and GITEC Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (b) Oromiya 59 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (c) Oromiya 12 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (d) Oromiya 15 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (e) Oromiya 11 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (f) Oromiya 78 Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades (g) Oromiya 30 PF 47 Jibat Oromiya 477 Demarcated PF 48 Jorgo Wato Oromiya 201 Demarcated PF 49 Kahtassa Guangaa Amhara 388 FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 50 Komto Waja Tsige 95 GIZ PFM Project by Ambero and GITEC PF 51 Konchi 12 PF 52 Kubayu Oromiya 751 PF 53 Lake-Hora (a) Oromiya 0 Lake-Hora (b) Oromiya 0 PF 54 Limalimo 1,391 PF 55 Linche-Dale-Gewe 24 Linche-Dale-Gewe 84 PF 56 Mega Oromiya 113 PF 57 Megada Oromiya 248 PF 58 Mena-Angetu Oromiya 1,782 PF 59 Menagesha Suba Oromiya c.1440 97 Oldest African protected area. Demarcated. GIZ PFM

Project by Ambero and GITEC PF 60 Munesa Shashemene (a) Oromiya 29 Demarcated Munesa Shashemene (b) Oromiya 1,001 Demarcated PF 61 Negele Oromiya 211 Demarcated PF 62 Saylem Wangus Oromiya 1,169 FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 63 Sekela-Mariam Oromiya 8 PF 64 Selemeseng/Mocha Amhara 3,094 PF 65 Setlem-Wangus Oromiya 990 PF 66 Sheko SNNPR 1,006 Demarcated. FARM/SOS Sahel PFM Project PF 67 Sibo Toli Kobo SNNPR 1,036 PF 68 Sigmo Geba (a) Oromiya 2 Sigmo Geba (b) Oromiya 2 Sigmo Geba (c) Oromiya 1 Sigmo Geba (d) Oromiya 1 Sigmo Geba (e) Oromiya 1 Sigmo Geba (f) Oromiya 1 Sigmo Geba (g) Oromiya 1,417 Demarcated Sigmo Geba (h) Oromiya 7 Sigmo Geba (i) Oromiya 83 Demarcated



Sigmo Geba (j) Oromiya 6 Demarcated Sigmo Geba (k) Oromiya 0 Demarcated PF 69 Sululta Brehe 147 PF 70 Tara-Gedam Amhara 5 PF 71 Tiro Boter Becho Oromiya 946 Demarcated PF 72 Wof-Washa Amhara 144 PF 73 Woine 109 PF 74 Yabelo Oromiya 294 PF 75 Yayu Oromiya 1,088 PF 76 Yegof (a) Amhara 1973 10 Yegof (b) Amhara 4 Yegof (c) Amhara 38 Yegof (d) Amhara 1 Yegof (e) Amhara 0.15 Yegof (f) Amhara 6 Yegof (g) Amhara 15 PF 77 Yeki SNNPR 778 PF 78 Yeraba/Abafelasse 360 PF 79 Yerer Oromiya 64 PF 80 Zikwala Oromiya 66 Demarcated

1.13 Other Forestry Areas Commonly trees felled after 25 years. Important lowland forest areas (incl. frankincense and acacia woodland) OF List to be sourced

1.14 Land Protected by Belief Systems CF1 Ethiopian Orthodox Church and

Monastery Forests Nationwide Total est.

280 See pp.30

CF2 Other include: Muslim, Oromo Gedda, Ghdeio and Sidama

1.15 Ministry of Defence land MD Land protected by armed security cannot be listed, but often results in a haven for wildlife

1.16 Forest and Plant Scientific Research Projects FRC1 Federal Forest Research Centre 35 areas. List coming from FRC These areas used for

seed collection. Included because trees provide habitat for wildlife (exotic species left approx 60 yrs. Indigenous species left approx 100 yrs before felling and replanting)

FRC2 Agricultural and Forestry Colleges

Forest at Wondogenet College

1.17 Municipal Parks MP1 Peacock Park Addis Ababa Municipality plans to create new city zoo. Leipzig Zoo

presented design proposal. Fund raising in progress. MP2 Sidist Kilo Lion Zoo Addis Ababa Old zoo with c.18 lions in cement construction cages.

Other captive animals include baboon, vervet, Kudu and rabbits.

MP3 Bahere Tsige Public Park Addis Ababa Large park in Addis. Several baboons in cement construction cages.



2. Ethiopian Government Wildlife and Environment Institutions



2. Ethiopian Government Institutions 2.1 Federal Government Institutions

Ministry of Justice, Charities and Societies Agency (CSA)

Replacing Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA) and Disaster Management and Food and Security Sector (DMFSS), according to a new Proclamation No. 621 in 2009, The Charities and Societies Agency became the Government Agency to manage all NGOs.

All NGOs register in one (or more if consortium) of five categories:

1. Ethiopian Residential Association Can receive 100% of funding from overseas. Responsibility for Members only.

2. Ethiopian Residential Charitable Organisation. Can receive 100% of funding from overseas. For third party programmes.

3. Ethiopian Charity Can only receive 10% of funding from overseas.

4. Ethiopian Association Can only receive 10% of funding from overseas.

5. International NGO Can receive 100% of funding from overseas.

Currently over 3,000 NGOs registered.

In 2011, CSA issued new regulations including:

• New financial reporting procedures

• New limitations regarding Associations and Networks of NGOs

• New rules regarding vehicles when project finishes

• Operational/ Administration new regulations

New 70/30 legislation: 30% of all costs can be Administration, however All staff, Per Diems, Consultants, Vehicles, Fuel, and office infrastructure all now Administration. Infrastructure that is part of Operations is permitted (eg construction of hospital) Several NGOs in dialogue with Agency have raised concerns that new legislation will penalise monitoring and evaluation etc.

Meseret GebreMariam, Director General

Assefa Tesfaye, Communications Office Head

Natural Resources Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture

In 2008 the Natural Resources Management Directorate set up under Ministry of Agriculture. Key objective to manage the nation’s forests. Also works on watershed and small scale irrigation management.

Within the team there is a Climate Change Unit to coordinate all Ethiopia climate change activities.

Directorate looking at possible income generating projects through REDD (See pp 39)

Habtu Bezabhe, Director

Hussein Kabede, National Participatory Forest Management (PFM) Coordinator

Sertse Sebuk, Forestry Case Team Coordinator:

Melaku Tadesse, Coordinator for Climate Change Activities

Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ambassador Mohammed Dirire, Minister

Tadalech Dalecho, State Minister

Sisay Getachew, Special Advisor to State Minister



Ministry of Science and Technology

Responsible for all biosphere reserves in Ethiopia.

Solomon Getachew, Science Advisor for Biospheres

Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA)

Established in 2008 following Wildlife Proclamation under Ministry of Tourism with mandate to manage Ethiopian protected areas.

EWCA managing 9 of total 21 National Parks. Remaining 12 manged by Regional Governments.

Only two Parks currently gazetted at Federal level (Awash and Semien Mountains).

Species Specific Conservation

Lion In partnership with EWCA, Dr Hans Bauer coordinated National Lion Conservation workshop held June 2009. Proceedings published Dec 2009. Draft National Action Plan for Conservation of the African Lion in Ethiopia submitted to EWCA June 2012.

Cheetah and Wild Dog In partnership with EWCA, Dr Hans Bauer and Dr Gianetta Purchase coordinated Cheetah and Wild Dog Conservation workshop held November 2010. Draft National Action Plan for the Conservation of Cheetahs and African Wild Dogs in Ethiopia submitted to EWCA June 2012.

Mapping Project Ethiopian Mapping Agency (EMA) currently producing bulletins and maps for three protected areas (Arsi Mountains NP, Awash NP and Yangudi Rassa NP). See EMA section below.

Dr Kifle Argaw, Director General

Yeneneh Teka Leta, Wildlife Development and Protection Team Coordinator

Feteneh Hailu, Wildlife Utilisation Coordinator

Kahsay Gebretensae, Director Parks and Sanctuaries and Lion specialist

Other Specialists: Elfinesh Woldeyes Zelellew, Director, Education, Public Relations & Information Directorate Protected Area Cherie Enawgaw, Dr Fekada, Wildlife Veterinarian Daniel Pawlos, Arega, Expert, National Parks & Sanctuaries Directorate

Boundary demarcation completed Gambella, Sinkele, Alatish, Simien, Babile. Coordinates given to Ministry of Tourism for their support. Then needs to be approved by Council of Ministers.

EWCA hopes these Parks will be legally gazetted end 2012.

FDRE Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

With support from the UK, the Global Green Growth Institute and the UNDP, EPA has developed Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE), a strategic framework.

Vision completed. Strategy currently being planned. Due end 2012. To connect Federal to Regions sectoral planning in process with different Ministries including Water, Energy, Agriculture. (Hopefully Natural Resources will be included?)

Two parts to plan:

• Adaptation (climate resilient)

• Mitigation (green economy)

Dr Tewolde Berghun, Director General

Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC)

Established 1998 (had originally been Plant Genetics Resources Centre that was formed in 1976). Mandate of conservation and sutainable utilization of all forms of biological resources including plants, animals and microbial genetic resources and indigenous knowledge.

Two directorates; Bioldiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use and Genetic Resources Transfer and Regulation.

Conservation and Use Directorate has five case teams: Animal

Has created one of the leading gene banks in Africa. More than 62,334 accessions of 165 plant species in cold storage and more than 6,664 accessions of 234 species in field gene banks.



(domestic and wild), Forest, Crop and Horticulture, Microbial Genetic Resources and Genebank and Laboratories.

Continues to expand gene banks, develop scientific strategies for conservation, sustainable utilization and access. Promotes increase in situ conservation areas and work to protect ecosystems. Staff of 300.

Director General: Dr Gemede Dalle

Ethiopian Mapping Agency (EMA) EMA is producing a National Atlas of Ethiopia. Publication expected before end 2012.

EPA commissioned ‘Ethiopia Potential Areas for Clean Development 2009-2010’. Available from EMA.

Satellite Maps Currently EMA has satellite imagery from 2005-2006 of the whole country at very low resolution (1 km) in black and white.

EMA can also provide high resolution satellite maps (0.5m, 2.5m and 5m) to order from 2005-2006. Typical cost of these images $45 per sq km.

Mapping protected areas Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Centre in partnership with Ethiopian Mapping Agency has identified pilot Natural Habitat Conservation pilot case study. Bulletins and maps to be produced for three protected areas (Arsi Mountains NP, Awash NP and Yangudi Rassa NP). The pilot to include training for Government representatives including Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), and EWCA.

Proposed Land Use Map Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) currently inviting funding for 2011-2012 Land Use satellite map for the whole country.

Sultan Mohammed, Director General

Belete Tirfe, Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate



2.2 Regional Government Institutions

Addis Ababa National Regional State

To meet for update

Afar National Regional State

To meet for update

Amhara National Regional State

To meet for update

Benishangul-Gumaz National Regional State

To meet for update

Dire Dawa National Regional State

To meet for update

Gambella National Regional State

Gambella NP Batntayehu Wassihun, Head of Wildlife Dept. To meet for update

Harar National Regional State To meet for update

Oromiya National Regional State, Oromiya Forestry and Wildlife Enterprise

Dr Girma Amente, Director

Chemere Zewdie Ejeta, Wildliufe Development and Utilization Directorate, Director

Sarite Plains (Yabello) Bekusse, Warden

Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regional State

Loka Abaya NP Toloma Kabiso, Head of Wildlife Dept. To meet for update

Somali National Regional State

To meet for update

Tigray National Regional State

To meet for update



3. Wildlife Conservation Institutions, Organisations and Projects



3.1 Wildlife Conservation INTERNATIONAL NGOs

African Parks Network Originally African Parks PLC had management contract for Omo NP and Nech Sar NP. Contract ended.

Now considering re-registering to develop programme in Gambella. Will consider working in Gambella if various discussions and agreements with Gov made

Jean Marc Froment, Director of Conservation and Development

Tractor purchased and donated for Gambella community.

African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) Visited Ethiopia early 2011 and March 2012. Showed interest particularly in Simien Mountains NP. Discussed helping relocation of families living within the Park. Estimated $8 million required. AWF possibility of matching funding.

Helen Gichohi, Director

EWCA await full proposal

Born Free Foundation Ethiopia International NGO. Est. 2007. No. 0686.

Developing Wildlife Rescue Centre near Holeta. Once completed, Centre will be open to public

Programmes:

1. Wildlife Rescue: Key objective to rescue captive wildlife from existing poor captive facilities depending on space available and funding. Centre may also take wildlife confiscated by EWCA.

2 Environmental Education

3 Conservation Key priority is to stop illegal wildlife trade. In the future will support wildlife conservation in-situ especially large carnivores.

Stephen Brend, Project Director

Land agreement signed. Agreement signed with Forestry Research Centre to include adjoining forest area. Entire Centre site fenced.

Two cheetah enclosures and three lion enclosures completed. Temporary office and tented staff accommodation in place.

Temporary baboon enclosures constructed

Centre not formally opened while under construction. Visits by appointment.

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) International NGO. Est. 2004 No. 0882

Overall objective: To conserve Ethiopian Afro Alpine Ecosystem.

Work includes ecological monitoring, management support for protected areas, capacity building of park staff and communities, community based conservation, development of ecotourism

Four programmes:

1. Bale Mountains Conservation Project (BMCP) Working with EWCA. Finalising and implementing Park Management Plan including Improving park infrastructure, intensifying park protection, helping demarcation, developing environmental education for youth. Produced Bale Mountains NP Business and Sustainable Finance Plan 2011-2016

2. Afro-Alpine Ecosystem Conservation Project (AECP) Major partner Amhara Culture, Tourism and Parks Bureau. Working in three locations:

• Guassa Community Conservation Area

• Abuna Joseph Community Conservation Area (partner with TESFA)

• Simien Mountains NP (Management Plan partially being implemented)

3. Community Afro-Alpine Monitoring Project (CAMP) Awareness-raising project helping communities take responsibility for land. Communities report back to their own community on state of biodiversity.

4. Hunting for sustainability (HUNT) Looking at social, cultural, ecological impact of hunting. A fact finding research project working with EWCA, Professional Hunting Association, Professional hunter in southern region.



FZS has produced several publications including: Business Plan Development Tool for Protected Area Managers in Ethiopia

FZS is on technical steering committee for Gambella NP Dr Zelealem Tefera, Country Director.

Thadaigh Baggally, Technical Advisor to BMNP Dr Anouska Kinahan, Ecosystem Research Advisor BMNP

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS has been supporting South Sudan conservation for many years. WCS is considering support of Gambella NP. WCS helped with aerial surveys and met with EWCA, African Parks and HoAREC in Dec 2011. EWCA stated it would welcome WCS support. WCS would like a joint partnership between South Sudan and Ethiopia and will try to arrange high level meeting. WCS would either finance existing Ethiopian NGO or would register as International NGO and manage its own project.

Dr Paul Elkan, Director of WCS South Sudan Country Programme

EWCA awaiting WCS decision and full proposal

3.2 Wildlife Conservation LOCAL NGOs

Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 2006. No.0720. Membership society.

Two main programme areas:

1. Environmental Education and Awareness Creation

2. Conservation of biodiversity

Environmental Education Targets three groups: High School, EWNHS members, general public. Produces range of publications, including: A Glimpse at Biodiversity Hotspots of Ethiopia’ (2010), Bi-annual newsletter/ Since 1992, has published annual ‘Agazen’ school supplementary reading magazine to raise awareness of environmental problems in Ethiopia.

Conservation of biodiversity Birdlife International Partner in Ethiopia.

One of endemic bird areas in Ethiopia is Borana Rangeland (incl. Nechsar NP), part of Geralle NP and Yabello NP. EWNHS working in Yabello NP. Funded thro Bird Fair in UK via Birdlife. 6 southern endemics (Liben Lark, Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, Salvadori SSerin, Nechsar Nightingale, White-tailed swallow, Ethiopian bushcrow.

Project 1: In Yabello NP 3yr project started 2011 in partnership with Oromiya Forest and Wildlife Enterprise research on habitat, distribution etc for White-tailed swallow, Ethiopian bushcrow. EWNHS also providing technical back up for park management.

Project 2: Birdlife has found creating community site support groups a successful conservation strategy. EWNHS establishing site support group in Abijata Shala NP, using livelihoods improvements (incl. cattle fattening, vegetable farming and tree nurseries) through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Funded by Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID)

Other projects include: Forests for Food in Debre Birhan (distributing tree seedlings to farmers, schools, churches, monastries, government institutions and NGOs.

Crane research and education project at Lake Tana

Sustainable tourism project in Lepis, East Langano and Ziway as Coordinating Local Implementation Partner for ESTA program. Project including demarcating sites, community training and education.



Trees for Cities, funded by UK charity Trees for Cities, distributed apple seedlings to sites around Addis

Member of the EAEN: Eastern Africa Environmental Network

Dr Mengistu Wondafresh, Director

Zewditu Tessema, Head of Research Information Centre and editor of publications

Tara Primate Rescue Centre Registration not known.

Original Centre in Gondar closed Dec 2009 and gelada baboon released into Lemo Limo Nature Reserve (Simien). Centre to rescue monkeys and donkeys reopened in Jan 2010 in Dib Bihar north of Debark.

Kate Fereday Eshete, Director

Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Development Association of Ethiopia (WILDCODE)

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 2004. No.0958

Set up to save Grevy Zebra and other rare species

Some funding from STN in Netherlands for Sinkele.

Funding from Netherlands Embassy through EWHNS.

Direct funding from The Christenson Fund

Fedlu Abdella, Director

Conducting surveys Grevy Zebra and other species in: Sarite (plains adjoining and proposed to be incorporated into Yabello NP) Chelbi Reserve Alidegli Reserve

Sinkele Visitor Centre half completed

NGO lacks funding and has no vehicle, no dedicated website.

Wildlife for Sustainable Development (WSD)

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 2008. No.0835.

Project in Babille Elephant Sanctuary Current Projects: Collecting lion faeces and bone samples Proposals to donors awaiting funding

Also working in Awash NP (where Yirmed has Awash Falls Lodge and spends approx 1 day per week) Revising Park Management Plan Assisting in Boundary demarcation At Awash NP meeting in Nazareit in August 2011, WSD was secretary Proposals submitted to donors

Dr Yirmed Demeke, Founder and Director.

Babille boundary demarcation completed Elephant collaring now not active (looking for funding) Sanctuary management plan completed and submitted to EWCA Park expert, warden and ranger training completed Successfully campaigned to stop Ecoflower palm oil plantation.

WSD lacks money and Yirmed may step out of frame to pursue research projects

3.3 Wildlife Conservation Projects

Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Project (EWCP)

Started 1995.

Memorandum of Understanding with EWCA and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WILDCRU) of Oxford University, UK.

Project sponsors include Wildlife Conservation Network and Born Free Foundation.

Working in following protected areas where Ethiopian Wolf found: • Bale Mountains NP • Borena Sayut NP • Arsi Mountains NP • Semien Mountains NP • Guassa Menz Community Conservation Area • Abuna Yoseph Community Conservation Area

Conservation project work includes:



• Education of communities • Monitoring of wolf population • Reactive disease programme

(Trialling oral vaccines for both wolves and the local dogs that transmit Rabies and CDV to wolf population)

• Training Scouts • Ecotourism Development

Dr Claudio Sillero, Project Director Anne-Marie Stewart, Field Director Chris Gordon, Technical Coordinator Edriss Ebu, BMNP Programme Manager

3.4 Wildlife Scientific Research Projects

Addis Ababa University Berihun, recently completed PhD field study on Walia and Gelada in Simien Mountains NP with CEPA. (Now in Oslo completing studies)

Addis Ababa University Desalegn recently completed PhD field studies on Gelada in Guassa Menz?

Addis Ababa University Fanuel from EWCA doing PhD field studies in Afar Region (including Allidegli Wildlife Reserve) Wild Ass and Grevy Zebra

Jimma University Dr Cagan Sekercioglu Cagan H. Sekercioglu, Ph.D. (was Senior research scientist, Stanford University, Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology) Now Biology Professor at Utah University. Dr Cagan leads the Ethiopia Bird Education Project since 2006. Besides education and capacity-building, the third key goal is to establish the Ethiopian bird ringing and bird monitoring program to monitor Ethiopian bird migrations on a regular basis.

Researched excellent sites in key habitats and migrations stopover locations in the Rift Valley, and great local support.

Currently working in in collaboration with Jimma University in Jimma area

Bruktawit completed internship to receive further training at the Klamath Bird Observatory of Oregon and she is now the first certified Ethiopian bird ringer/bander, by the North American Bird Banding Council.

Other biologists and interns trained for over 3 years

Funding for Ethiopia cut drastically in 2008

WILDCODE Grevy Zebra Surveys in Sarite (plains adjoining and proposed to be incorporated into Yabello NP), Chelbi Reserve, Alidegli Reserve (see WILDCODE listing)

California State University, Fullerton

Guassa Menz Gelada Baboon Research Project

Prof. Peter Flashing

City University of New York Dr Matt Pines Filoh Hamadryas Baboon Awash NP

Principal Investigator Prof. Larissa Swedell

University of Michegan Gelada Baboon Research Project in Simien NP.

Principal investigators: Dr Thore and Dr Jacinta Bergman

Al Wabbra Centre, Qatar Coming for meeting with EWCA end Feb to discuss possible restart of research on Dibataq antelope in Ogaden Region.

SATOYAMA Initiative Dr Akinori Mzuno, working at Ishikawa Museum of Natural History, worked in Omo and Mago NP in 1970s. Submitted ‘Recommendations on the Conservation of wildlife in the Omo-Tama-Mago rift valley of Ethiopia’ in 1978

Hopes to come to Ethiopia in 2012 to start a partnership research programme for rehabilitation of forests

3.5 Wildlife Conservation Associations Ethiopian Wildlife Association Had been dissolved. Yirmed

Demeke plans to restart



4. Environment Conservation Institutions, Organisations and Projects



4.1 Environment Protection INTERNATIONAL NGOs and Contractors

Ambero and GITEC Two German consulting firms combined resources to win a contract from German Ministry of Development Rainforest Reserve PFM project. 3yr Euro 2 million.

Funding started June 2009 and ends at end of June 2012. Project will be continued by OFWE.

PFM Projects in Oromiya Region in the following National Priority Forests:

• Adaba Dodola • Chillalo Gelma • Dindin Arba Gugu • Jelo-Muktar-Metakesha-Ades • Komto Waja Tsige • Menegesha Suba

Following pilot site in Adaba Dodola Forest, project objective to upscale PFM. Technical Assistance for capacity building and forest-based income generation (beekeeping, ecotourism-not fully completed, tree seed collection, highland fruit trees). Also helped develop National Guidelines for PFM.

Beate Quilitzsch-Schuchmann, Team Leader

FARM AFRICA/ SOS Sahel International NGO.

Following a successful pilot Participatory Forest Management (PFM) project FARM Africa in partnership with Local NGO SOS Sahel started a 5 yr scale-up project ‘Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods Forest Management Programme’ (SSLFMP) in 2010 with Euro 3 million funding from EU. FARM Africa and International Institute for Environmental Development (IIED) supplying part of required 20% matching funding.

Project working with PFM, Improvement of forest-based livelihoods and Policy Support.

Project working in the following National Priority Forest Areas: • Horena Forest (Bale Mountains) (Oromiya) • Alosha Bate (Oromiya) • Anferara Wadera (Oromiya) • Saylem Wangus (Oromiya) • Gerjeda (Oromiya) • Kahtassa (Amhara) • Ambessa Chaka (Benishangul Gumaz) • Bonga (SNNPR) • Sheko (SNNPR)

Michelle Winthrop, FARM Africa Country Director

Ben Irwin, SSLFMP Programme Coordinator

Telearegay Jirane, SSLFMP Policy Advisor

Heinrich Boll Stiftung International NGO.

Provides funding support for NGOs operating in Ethiopia. Including:

• Forum or the Environment • Population Health Environment (PHE) • Melca Ethiopia

Patrick Berg, Country Director

Reviewing feasibility of continuing operations in Ethiopia following Charities and Societies Agency new requirements

Michael Succow Foundation Awarded Euro 1.6m from German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to support Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve

Friedrich Zur Heide, Project Coordinator, Protected Area Development



NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union)

International NGO. Registered 2010. No. 1922.

As part of Climate Protection and Preservation of Primary Forests Project, NABU working to preserve several sites in Ethiopia.

Funded by the International Climate Initiative (ICI) from the German Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

Working in: • Kafa Forest Coffee Biosphere, 4 yr project 2009-2013

Euro 2.43m • Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve, 4 yr project. Euro 1.48 m • In future hopes to support Sheka Biosphere and Melca

Ethiopia when UNESCO recognised

Kafar Project In partnership with Regional Government, Kara Forest Coffee Cooperation Union, Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society. Work areas include:

• Forestry: PFM, reforestation, monitoring

• Alleviate poverty: Business development (plan produced. Includes Ecotourism. (Especially Coffee Tourism. A National Coffee Museum being built in Bonga. Visitor lodge and biosphere information centre to be built later in 2012). Will also include REDD (study in hand)

• Advocacy (30 trained rangers raising awareness within local community)

• Clean Energy (local people trained and manufacturing energy efficient stoves. Over 6,000 already distributed)

Lake Tana (support from German Development Cooperation)

Bekele Haile, Director

Welt Hunger Hilfe | GAA (German Agro Action)

International NGO. Has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years.

Funding from EU, German and US Governments and other private donors.

Works on Natural Resource Management projects in Afar, Borana and North Oromiya. Also has water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

Partner with Organisation of Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) on Biodiversity Programme in Lowland and Highland Amhara forests. Specific objective, conservation and management of biodiversity in community managed forests.

Working in:

• Lowland Forests along Sudanese border (Quara and Meterna and Alatish).

• Highland Forests: Church Forests (Estie, Farta, Lay Gayint).

5 year project. Euro 2.15m (of which Euro .431,000 from Amhara Region)

Ursula Langkamp, Regional Director Horn-of-Africa

Yohannes Belay, FS Programme Coordinator



4.2 Environment Protection LOCAL NGOs

Centre for Indigenous Trees, Propagation and Biodiversity Development in Ethiopia

Centre outside Addis Alem on New Ambo Road. Forestry nursery and demonstration of soil indicator species.

Professor Negash Legesse, Director

Environment and Coffee Forest Forum

Work includes proposing Bioshphere Reserves to UNESCO. Objective is to create zoned areas where communities sustainably manage and protect environment.

(Areas are large. Kafar annually produces 20,000 tonnes coffee)

Some funding from NABU. Other sponsors/donors include ILLY Coffee, VW Foundation, German Ministry of Environment

Dr Tadesse Woldemariam, Director

Kafar (Oromiya) and Yayu (SNNPR) Reserves recognised. Sheka (SNNPR) under review

Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association (EWNRA)


Wetland research 3 yr Euro 400,000 project started 1997 with Geography and Biology Dept of University of Addis Ababa and Huddersfield,UK.

In 2000, registered as EWNRA.

Initially started with wetland management, but now includes ‘up streamr’ projects as wetlands can only be saved if upstream areas sustainably managed.

6 Main Projects:

1. Ilu Aba Bora, Oromiya Region Started 2005. Close to Yayu Biosphere Reserve. Funding from Swedish SIDA, Norwegian Dev Fund, Wateraid Ethiopia

2. Fogera Area Started 2005. Close to Bahir Dar and Lake Tana. Sustainable wetland management of Fogera floodplain that was threatened by human interference. Funding from Finland Embassy and Self Help Africa

3. Gibe Dam Area Micro-watershed very silted. EPA funded one year project to demonstrate soil management.

4. Dilla Started in 2010. 5 yr approx US$ 700,000 project. Funding from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in USA who buy coffee and provide funding via Catholic Relief Service. Livelihood based project supporting coffee farmers and helping find alternative livelihood projects to supplement communities income.

5. Wild Coffee Conservation by means of Participatory Forest Management Sheko Wereda of Bench-Maji zone in SNNPR. Started 2010. 5 yr poject. Funded by EU (80% from EU and 20% HOAREC)

6. Non-Timber Forest Products and Participatory Forest Management Research and Development Project (NTFP-PFM) Project with Huddersfield University, UK. Sheka, Kefa and Bench-Maji zones. EU Euro 3.3 m project. (First Phase 4 yr project Euro 1.4 m. completed 2003-2007) Second Phase 5yr project finishes June 2012. NTFproducts include honey, spices, forest coffee, sustainable timber.

Aferwork Hailu, Director

Rehabilitated wetland in this area with communities reporting bird population increasing and new sightings of species that had disappeared

Ethiopian Heritage Trust Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 1995. No.1445.

Developing a natural park on the southeast facing slopes of Mt Entoto.



Founding member, President Girma Wolde Giorgis.

One of long term goals is to replace Eucalyptus plantation with indigenous trees and shrubs.

Tree nursery established on 3.5 hectare site to grow 22 species of indigenous trees

Master management plan completed to include Visitor Centre, Guest House, Student Research Centre

Annual budget ETB 1 million

In part funded by Addis Ababa Municipality

In 2011, ETB 1.3 million grant form UNICEF. Project concept to create ‘Green Generation’ of children with children planting trees that grow as they grow.

Getachew Taye, Director

Eucalyptus already removed from 700 hectares of site and indigenous trees planted. 19 springs have re-emerged since.

c. 1 million seedlings produced.

Already supplied 22,000 seedlings to Addis Ababa Municipality.

As part of UNICEF project, 52 primary schools in 5 Regions received 1,000 seedlings (total 52,000 seedlings)

Forum for the Environment (FfE) Ethiopian Resident Charity. Est.1997, No.0442.

Advocacy and Communication of environmental issues through workshops, capacity building, training, website, film documentaries and publications.

Five thematic areas:

1. Forestry 2. Protected Areas 3. Sustainable Renewable Energy 4. Urban Environment 5. Climate Change

Donors: Embassy of Royal Netherlands, DFID, ICCO Netherlands, Heinrich Boll Stiftung, SIDA, Dan Church Aid, Christian Aid, USA for Africa, The Development Fund of Norway, Women Working Worldwide, BOTH Ends, Frankfurt Zoological Society, FARM Africa.

FfE has set up seven regional local groups in the following States: Amhara, Tigray, Dire Dawa, SNNPR, Gambella, Beneshengul, Oromiya. These local groups work on communication and advocacy of local environmental issues.

FfE hosts and is the secretariat and co-chair of the Ethiopian Civil Society Network on Climate Change (ECSNCC)

FfE participated with regional Government and EWCA in demarcation of Babile Elephant Sanctuary and Gambella NP. Assisted in preparation of Gambella NP Management Plan. Working in collaboration with HOAREC.

Mahlet Eyassu, Director

Due to the new Charities and Societies directive that most of FfE activities are not considered operational, FfE is now redesigning its working strategy

Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD)


Two main programme areas:

1. Ecological Agricultural Development Working with farmers in degraded areas to improve crop production, soil protection and fertility, improved natural resources management.

2. Youth Groups Capacity Development (urban and rural) Supporting school clubs and youth groups to improve environment

Initially worked in Tigray, now projects in different areas, with clusters in and around Addis Ababa and Arba Minch.

Awarded Goteborg Award 2011.

Donors include: Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (via Swedish SIDA), EU

Sue Edwards, Director

Helped set up Pesticide Action Network, Melca Mahiber, Forum for the Environment.

Reviewing feasibility of continuing some operations in Ethiopia following Charities and Societies Agency new requirements



LEM, the Environment and Development Society of Ethiopia

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. …. No.0454

Moges Worku, Director

To meet for update

Melca Ethiopia Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 2004. No.0348.

Melca Ethiopia works on three of the seven biodiversity issues; namely mountains, agro and forest, with a cross-cutting theme of Traditional Ecological Knowledge’.

Melca has five programme areas:

1. Ecosystem rehabilitation (primarily soil and water conservation)

2. Participatory GIS (mapping and modelling)

3. Environmental Education (named ‘SEGNI’ after the Ormoiya word for seed. Melca takes children on five day nature expeditions to forested areas to connect youth with nature, culture and themselves.

4. Income generating initiatives (to help marginalised poor communities)

5. Advocacy (community empowerment, law enforcement and improving regulation. Melca engages actively with parliament, brings together all departments at regional levels and assesses environmental impacts)

Melca currently working in Bale Mountains NP, Menegesha Suba Sebeta and Sheka Forest Coffee area (nominated for new UNESCO biosphere reserve status)

Donors include: Swedish, Norwegian and Finland International Development Agencies.

Million Belay, Director

Population, Health, Environment (PHE) Consortium

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation and International Organisation Consortium. Est. 2007. No.1496.

Consortium 47 members and 35 pilot woredas. Works with partner member organisations to provide local connection. Integrated approach focussing on each of the following:

Population: Family Planning (Birth Spacing, limiting births, emergency contraception, adolescent sexual and Reproductive Health, etc.)

Health: HIV/AIDS, ARI Prevention, water and sanitation, malaria prevention, primary health care, child survival, etc.

Environment: Environmental conservation, natural resources management (NRM)

Specific environmental projects:

1. Restoration of Basin Catchment Areas. Member of National task force. 12 basin areas in Ethiopia (water and energy website details areas). Donors include Packard Foundation, Heinrich Boll Foundation, Barr Foundation

2. Protected Area Management Member of National Task force (includes: EWCA, ESTA, EWNHS, PHE. Proposed additions FZS and HOAREC,- APN and other NGOs if working in protected areas). Selected 9 PA’s to support. Awash, Gambella, Omo, Abijata Shala, Kafta Sheraro, Simien Mts, Babille Elephant Sanctuary, Nexh Sar, Bale Mts. Member of working group for Awash NP. (Supported case study of problems, workshop and integrated way forward.) Candidate for Gambella working group Seeking funding.



3. Climate Adaptation Part of Government negotiation team. (includes: EPA lead, Min of Health, Culture and Tourism, Agric, Water and Energy.) PHE represents civil society. Works with PHE members on how resilience to climate change can be strengthened. Core member of Climate Change Network of 60 member organisations.

Negash Teklu, Executive Director

Shade: Local Communities for Biodiversity and Livelihood Improvement

Registration not known.

Established in early 2012 to promote community participation in conservation

Dr Gemedo Dalle is Chair

Mr Aliye Dallu, Director

No funding yet

Sustainable Land Use Forum (SLUF)

Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. …. No.0523.

Membership NGO. Currently 3 international and 21 local NGOs. Overall objective to improve livelihoods through sustainable land use and improved natural resource management.

Programmes include:

1. Training of trainers In country and abroad

2. Experience sharing visits In country and abroad

3. Workshops and Conferences 4. Pilot sites 5. Publications 6. Documentary Films (16 produced) 7. Grant Fund Management 8. Networking 9. Electronic Networking Funding from Oxfam Netherlands, Swedish SIDA, Federal Environmental Protection Authority, European Commission Civil Society Fund (EC-CSF) Eastern and Southern Africa Partnership Program (ESAPP), Consortium of Christian Relief Development Association (CCRDA) and Development Cooperation Ireland (DCI) Dr Habtemariam Abate, Executive Director

4.3 Environment Protection Parastatal and Bilateral Organisations and Projects

Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre (HoA-REC)

Project operating out of Addis Ababa University.

Projects:

• Central Rift Valley, • Climate Change, • Demand Driven Action Research, • Energy (promotion and development of locally

available alternatives to Fuel wood, crop residues, charcoal, kerosene and dung) EU funding. 3 yr project started

• Horn Regreening • Ecosystem Management and Conservation. • Feasibility study for endowment/trust fund for Ethiopia

protected areas • Wildlife and conservation information centre.

Proposals for several projects out for funding

Ecosystem Management and Conservation mainly funded by Netherlands Embassy. Promised 4yr project funding for Gambella and Central Rift Valley.

Programme includes: Exchange trips, Gambella NP (aerial surveys wet 2009, dry 2010. Land Use planning steering committee. April 2010, commissioned John Purdie to make



film ‘Gambella’s Hidden Treasures’. Plan to start project in March 2012? FZS on technical steering committee. (Possible PFM partnership with PACT ? If PACT has not had to close project in June 2012. PACT have been working in Godere Forest area on conflict resolution, integrated land use planning, participatory forest management, gender empowerment, cooperative development for 8 yrs)

Managed a grant for Omo NP and Nech Sar NP from Royal Netherlands Embassy. Now ended

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Programme Includes Participatory Rangeland Management project with Nyangatom ethnic group south of Omo National Park. Euro 20,000 to conduct 2009 research in 13 sites throughout Ethiopia and feasibility study looking at soil and vegetation types, water component etc. Report due end March 2012.

Dr Araya Asfaw, Executive Director

Sanne van Aarst, Programme Coordinator, Ecosystem Management and Conservation.

Professor Sabine Troeger, Programme Coordinator, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Programme

Sustainable Development of the Protected Area System of Ethiopia (SDPASE)

Plan originally written by Dr Stuart Williams.

First 4 year phase ends Sept 2012

Funding of Euro 9 million from Global Environmental Facility (GEF) of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) First phase implemented by GIZ-IS from offices within EWCA

Fund raising: Simien fund raising workshop (bilateral, embassies etc) supported by UNESCO $20k in Gondar end April 2012

Lakew Berhanu, National Coordinator Dr Ludwig Siege, Technical Advisor

Equipment: 13 vehicles. 22 laptops, 8 desktops donated to EWCA

Admin: logo, website, uniforms.

Publications: Gap analysis, Carbon study. (Gap analysis dues May 2012) Economic study, map of protected areas, study of Abijata Shala, Field Guides,

Surveys: Contributed to aerial survey Gambella NP

Training: Ranger training

UNDP Financial agency for GEF funding.

GEF Small Grants Programme Ethiopia. Supported over 75 projects (incl. renewable energy, energy saving stoves, area closure, soil and water conservation, raising seedlings)

Shimelis Fekadu, Team Leader, Climate Change and Vulnerability (CCV)

Wubua Mekonnen, Program Analyst GEF Portfolio

Zekele Tesfaye, National Coordinator, Small Grants Program

To meet for update

4.4 Environmental Scientific Research Projects Ethiopia Institute for Agricultural Research (EIAR), Forestry Department

Dr Wubalem Tadesse, Forestry Research Director To meet for update

Federal Forestry Research Centre 35 Permanent Research Stations. Established 1975.

Full list of areas with map to come. Areas include: Menegesha Suba and Sebeta, Aman, Bonga, Bebeka, Belete, Gambella, Chora, Gemeda, Welkite, Arjo, Agoro, Cherise.

Centre objective to collect seeds from indigenous and exotic species. Exotic species left approx 60 yrs and indigenous species left approx 100 yrs before felling and replanting.

Dr Woldeyohanes Fantu, Director



4.5 Botanical Gardens and Herbariums Gullele Botanical Gardens Ethiopian Resident Charitable Organisation. Est. 2005.

No.2006

Botanical gardens being constructed on 705 hectare site in northwest part of Addis Ababa. Co-managed by Addis Ababa City Administration and University of Addis Ababa. Board includes Min. of Culture and Tourism, Director General of Institute of Biodiversity Conservation, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, University of Addis Ababa.

Initial funding for study and design including land use plan from Embassy of Royal Netherlands. Phase One construction funded by Addis Ababa City Administration.

Gardens will include Zones planted to represent each of Ethiopia’s 5 traditional ecological zones, Natural History Museum (with taxidermy displays), Butterfly Aviary, Bird Aviary ( a natural ravine will be covered with netting), plant nurseries, amphitheatre, restaurant.

Funding sought for Phase Two: Main building to house Natural History Museum.

Tekle Woldegerima Kahsay, Executive Director.

Phase One Construction nearly completed includes: Some perimeter fencing, 4 km walking/jogging pathways, access roads, first building, water dams, extensive soil and water conservation works, layout and development of thematic gardens.

National Herbarium To meet for update

4.6 Land Protected by Belief Systems Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Forests

There are over 35,000 Ethiopian Orthodox churches in Ethiopia. The majority of the churches and monastries have protected areas of old forests that are rich in biodiversity. No detailed information exists regarding these sites, however a conservative estimate is that 80% of churches each have protected forest areas of at least 1 hectare. Therefore conservative estimated total church forests total 28,000 hectares.

A proposal has been prepared for a detailed 10 year forest inventory study as part of a feasibility assessment for potential carbon emission trading. Fund raising in progress.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC) undertakes a diverse range of programmes. Areas include: food security, water, heath, conflict and peace building, refugees and education. A core programme area is Environmental Rehabilitation.

Many churches and forests also have ‘area closures’ where for three to six years, land is protected in order to improve water tables and habitat. EOC and communities draft byelaws for sustainable land management. (Total approx. hectares to follow.)

(EOC is partnered with World Council of Churches, International Orthodox Christian Charities and Action by Churches Together (ACT.)

Kindie Rufael, Head of Development Department

Gebreselassie Atsbaha, Deputy Head of Development Department

Church forests of South Gondar Dr Alemayeh Wassie Eshete did PhD study To meet for update

Welt Hunger Hilfe (German Agro Action) working on PFM projects in Church Forests in Amhara Region. (See pp 25.)

Other land protected by belief systems include: Muslim, Oromo Gedda, Ghdeio and Sidama

To meet for update



4.7 Environmental Associations and Working Groups Ethiopian Civil Society Network on Climate Change (ECSNCC)

Established in 2009, this loose network of 60 members with the objectives of raising public awareness, organise experience-sharing programs, building capacity and engage in international negotiations regarding climate change,

FfE is the secretariat, co-chair and hosts the network with SLUF.

10 working groups with lead agencies that report to the secretariat. Set along thematic areas: • Agriculture and Sustainable Land Management • Energy • Health, Population and Education • Forests and Protected Areas • Pastoralism • Urban Environment • Water • Negotiation and Campaign • Disaster Risk Reduction

Plan to register with Charities and Societies in the near future.

Contact through Forum for the Environment (see pp.27)

Man and Biosphere (MAB) National Committee

Since UNESCO focuses on education and science, The Ministry of Science and Technology has been given the role of coordinator for all Ethiopian biospheres. The national committee meets biannually and is made up of seven Federal institutions, the Regional government that contains the biosphere and Observers:

• Ministry of Science and Technology (Chair) • Institute of Biodiversity Conservation • Ministry of Water and Energy • Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resource Management • Ministry of Culture and Tourism • Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority • Ministry of Education • Regional Government where biosphere located • In future, Committee will include private sector operating

in biosphere • Observers are invited (eg NGOs working in the

biosphere and donor organisations)

Committee currently looking at potential other biosphere possibilities in Ethiopia according to UNESCO guidelines. (eg Bale Mountains)

Solomon Getachew, Ministry of Science and Technology Science Advisor

Participatory Forest Management Working Group

Informal group. Annual workshop. About 10 group members. Currently Ato Hussain from Min of Agriculture coordinates. Aim to become institutionalized within Gov.

Members include:

• Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association • FARM Africa/SOS Sahel • Forum for the Environment • GIZ • Japanese International Cooperation Agency • Melca Ethiopia • Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resource

Management, Participatory Forestry Hussein Kabede, National Participatory Forest Management (PFM) Coordinator



5. Business Initiatives in and around

Protected Areas



5 Business initiatives in and around Protected Areas

5.1 Ecotourism: General visitor information

Ecotourism Table 1: Visitors to Ethiopia 2008 2009 2010

Leisure and Recreation 99,394 138,070 171,414

Visiting friends and relatives 25,482 35,593 26,672

Business 42,209 71,374 77,816

Conferences and Meetings 17,721 47,516 36,145

Transit 77,572 81,481 84,229

Not stated on arrival card 62,779 53,252 70,029

Total all visitors 330,157 427,286 468,305

Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2012

I have not been able to source the number of Leisure and Recreation visitors to all Protected Land areas, however EWCA has records of visitors to the main National Parks (see Ecotourism Table 2). NB this is only International visitors that listed Leisure and Recreation on their arrival card. No deduction has been made for the proportion of international visitors listed as ‘Visiting friends and relatives’, ‘Business’ or ‘Conferences’ that might also visit a National Park. No deduction has been made to allow for the same visitor visiting more than one National Park.

The majority of Leisure and Recreation visitors travel to the Rock-hewn churches to the north and/or the Ethnic groups in the Omo Valley. Some of these tours do include a trip to one of the nearby National Parks (Semien Mountains NP in the north or Nechisar and Mago NP in the south). Some tours, business and conference visits include a trip to Awash National Park as it is only Park within relatively easy reach of Addis Ababa. The visitor numbers in Ecotourism Table 3 reflect this. Ecotourism Table 3: International visitors to Protected Areas

2008 2009 2010

Awash 4,538 4,769 6,137 Abijata Shala 3,916 3,726 5,232 Bale Mountains 1,676 2,001 2,426 Semien Mountains 7,740 11,859 15,078 Nechisar 8,992 9,956 12,000 Mago 5,339 6,183 9,070 Omo 82 269 280 Gambella n/a 169 244 Senkelle n/a 339 740 Maze n/a 4 12 Chebra Churchura n/a n/a 20

Total 32,283 39,275 51,239 Total international visitors 99,394 138,070 171,414

Percentage of Leisure and Recreation visitors that visit Protected Areas 32 28 30



EWCA has detailed records for all the major Parks as listed in Ecotourism Table 1.

Encouragingly, visitor numbers to Bale Mountains NP have almost doubled between 2008 and 2010, however the average number of visitors per day is still very low (14 per day in 2010).

Ecotourism Table 3: Visitors to some of the National Parks

Year International Visitors

International Visitors with temporary residents permits

Adult Ethiopian Visitors

Students Total number

of visitors

Average number of visitors per

day

2008 7,740 291 801 285 9,117 25

2009 11,859 453 853 1,182 14,347 39

Semien Mountains NP (often included in northern rock-

hewn church tour)

2010 15,078 453 853 1,182 17,566 48

2008 8,992 - 6,247 3,360 18,599 51

2009 9,956 344 5,800 2,600 18,700 51

Nechisar NP (often included in Omo

Valley tour)

2010 12,000 802 5,487 5,834 24,123 66

2008 4,538 1,005 2,369 1,419 9,331 26

2009 4,769 1,406 2,538 650 9,363 26

Awash NP (within easy reach of Addis,

and offered at end of tours and to conference delegates or

business visitors) 2010 6,137 1,589 2,206 1,498 11,430 31

2008 1,676 110 302 193 2,281 6

2009 2,001 157 448 1,329 3,935 11

Bale Mountains NP (although included in some Omo

Valley tours, Bale is often a dedicated destination )

2010 2,426 192 731 1,748 5,097 14

2008 - - - - - -

2009 3 5 5 - 13 1 per month

Gambella NP (increased visitor numbers can

be expected following the HOAREC documentary film and

raised awareness of the Gambella biodiversity and White

eared cob migration)

2010 102 19 51 - 172 1 every two days

2008 82 - 31 - 113 1 every three days

2009 269 1 82 - 352 1

Omo NP (these numbers highlight the

challenges involved in encouraging visitors to the

more remote Ethiopian National Parks)

2010 280 - 16 - 296 1

Source: EWCA 2012



5.1 Ecotourism businesses and development projects

Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance (GSTA)

One part is Counterpart. Rowan McTaggart was original lead in Ethiopia.

One part Environmental Sustainable Tourism Alliance (ESTA) 5 yr project set up 2008. $7 m funded mainly by USAID. Project to help tourism, handicrafts, HIV/AIDS awareness, Conservation (incl. watershed management) and Communications. AED overall contractor but when fell out with USAID, FHI bought AED. Possibility $700k will be pulled. If pulled, project will end Dec 2012. If funding secured, project will end July 2013. Solimar Consulting (DC for-profit tourism consultancy firm) awarded contract. Brad Weiss, Sustainable Tourism Expert for Solimar. Brad expects Solimar will phase out end June 2012. George Washington University helping with tourism training. Aids Artisans helping with handicrafts.

Supporting ecotourism initiatives through investment marketing etc Primary area ‘Central Rift Valley’. Project objective, Community Tourism Development

Strong links with HOAREC

Project areas and achievements:

Tourism market research and training Focussing on 4 areas (Zway, Lepis Forest on way to Langano, Konzo, Dorze)

Have researched existing tour operators, Gov Ministries, visits to communities. Held training exchange visits. Identified feasible market products such as horse riding, birding, hiking, craft production). Helped with applications for small grants Training adaptation of proven Solimar training (horse handling, English lessons, birding, boat operating)

Tourism Marketing Nat Geographic map Community Website (not live yet) partners with FZS and TESFA Various brochures and leaflets

Tourism Investment Promotion Jim Philips at Solimar very experienced getting investment. Often need anchor lodge before community project can get going.

Selected 2 possible locations (Maze NP and Bale NP) Maze on hold link to Jinka that would offer one day stop-over possibility for Omo tours road not happening fast. Bale NP opportunities: New road, airport at Robe (will take time), Disadvantages: Some rough roads, average visitor age 40 to 60 to be taken into accountOther projects: Conflict Resolution in Awash NP (Matt, EWCA, Yirmed, ESTA had meetings)

Brad Weiss, Sustainable Tourism Expert, Solimar International

Solimar two recommended possibilities: 1. Solimar partner in Uganda is Geo

Lodges. Zaid CEO loved Bale and ideally three lodges Dinsho (hub), Senete Plateau and Horenna. Still trying to find funding?

2. Guy Levine Project Harenna Forest (see below)

Awash Falls Lodge Yirmed Demeke CEO and main investor

Horenna Forest Lodge (Not official name)

Guy & Yvonne Levene plan to create a lodge in Horenna Forest. Provisionally approved by EWCA. EWCA awaiting full proposal with EIA and investment details

Guy Levine, CEO



Semien Lodge Owner and manager, Nick Crane (UK) To meet for update

Leyat (Ayat is holding company?) Bought Ras Hotel, Addis Ababa as headquarters. (Plan to raise funding and develop into 5 star hotel)

Plan to build chain of eco-lodges in Ethiopia with percentage donation to protect areas around lodges? Dr Assefa Mebrate, Director

Have purchased Roha Hotel, Lalibela and plan to upgrade from 64 beds to 300 beds. Have been given valley to airport (100 hectares) to make Nature Reserve.

TESFA Tours Tourism in Ethiopia for Sustainable Future Alternatives (TESFA) was established as an NGO in 2003, renamed TESFA Community-based tourism in 2010.

Donors include: Irish Aid, Save the Children, The British Embassy, the Tresillian Trust, responsibletravel.com, ICAP.

TESFA has successfully established Community Guest Houses in Wollo and Tigray. Currently there are 18 guest houses providing overnight accommodation, food, guides, and pack animals and a number of other communities providing a smaller lunch service.

In 2010, the Tesfa Tours a for-profit business was established to market the TESFA Community tours and take bookings. Of tour price, 48% goes to the host community, 7% for the lunch community, 25% goes to the local guiding business and 20% goes to cover the marketing and booking costs.

Mark Chapman, CEO

TESFA is working with FZS to develop a guest house project in Abuna Yoseph Community Conservation Area. TESFA is also discussing working with SUNARAM in Wof Washa forest, and with JAICA outside the Simien Mountains NP.

Biosphere Reserves Ecotourism one part of all biosphere projects. • Yayu • Kafa Coffee Forest Region • Sheka (close to Gambela and Godere) • Lake Tana

(See 1.11 pp 10. Michael Succow Foundation pp24, NABU pp 25, Environment and Coffee Forest Forum pp26)

Leadership for Conservation in Africa

South African NGO that bridges business and protected area conservation.

Possible partnership with Wilderness Safaris for ecotourism site in Gambella?

5.2 Hunting

Companies and concessions listed in Section 1.6

5.3 Live Animal Export

Tropical Wildlife Exporter of reptiles. No set quota.

Sisaye Taye, CEO

Reports Europe market very quiet. New customers in far east and market growing

5.4 Animal ranching

Arba Minch Crocodile Ranch Government owned. To meet for update

Blen Crocodile Farm, Arba Minch Privately owned To meet for update

Civet farms 6 Exporters have licences from EWCA. Over 100 Civet ‘farmers’ have licences with Regional Government and supply Civet musk to exporters.

To meet for update

Mullo Farm Farm on Chancho Derba Road owned by Abyssinia Flowers. Owners wish to establish Game Ranch on part of the farm. Proposal including abattoir submitted and approved by EWCA. Plan to export game meat to Netherlands.

Fencing nearly completed. Awaiting licence from OFWE



Applying for licence from Oromiya region.

Toon Van Kessel, Manager of Abyssinia Flowers

Ostrich Farms Tulu-Jido Zuway Hailu Mekuria, Manager

Hadho Bonso Yohannis Filipos, Manager

E_Shoa Beska Sal Joel Sauid American Investment PLC

Bahet Construction Engineering and Technological Services Getachew Assefa, General Manager

To meet for update To meet for update To meet for update To meet for update

5.5 Food and other natural products

Ecopia Full name, Ecologial Products of Ethiopia.

Company producing jam and natural skin and hair care products (soap, skin creams etc)

Working with communities in many areas of the country including Yayu and Kefar Biosphere Reserves

Dr Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, CEO

5.6 Forest revenues from reduced carbon emissions

The potential for raising revenues from protecting forests is attracting attention worldwide. Here’s a simplified explanation.

Carbon emissions The burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests is changing the chemical composition of the atmosphere. CO2 levels are 35 per cent higher than they were before industrialisation. If the current rate of increase continues, there could be a doubling by 2050. Other gases like methane and nitrous oxide from agriculture are also increasing in concentration. Scientists’ concern is that these ‘greenhouse gases’ will raise global temperatures, increase sea levels and lead to more extreme weather events. The risk to future generations justifies action now to curb emissions growth.

Forests are a strong “carbon sink (a ‘reservoir’ of CO2).” Through photosynthesis, forests consume carbon dioxide. Using energy from sunlight, forests ‘eat’ the carbon atom in the carbon dioxide molecule, using it to create sugars and other nutrients and releasing the leftover oxygen. While all plants do this, tall, dense forests are the most efficient in terms of how much carbon a square hectare of forest can remove from the atmosphere. Deforestation limits the amount of carbon dioxide being removed from the air and usually the trees are burnt after being cut down in a ‘chop and burn’ method. This releases the carbon in the tree which combined with oxygen adds carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Current forest losses worldwide account for almost one fifth of global CO2 emissions.

Carbon Trading The carbon trade came about in response to the Kyoto Protocol. Signed in Kyoto, Japan, by some 180 countries in December 1997, the Kyoto Protocol calls for 38 industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions between the years 2008 to 2012 to levels that are 5.2% lower than those of 1990.

The idea behind carbon trading is similar to the trading of securities or commodities in a marketplace. Carbon is given an economic value, allowing people, companies or nations to trade it. If a nation buys carbon, it would be buying the rights to burn it, and a nation selling carbon would be giving up its rights to burn it. The value of the carbon would be based on the



ability of the country owning the carbon to store it or to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. (The better you are at storing it, the more you can charge for it.)

A market is then created to facilitate the buying and selling of the rights to emit greenhouse gases. The industrialized nations for which reducing emissions is a daunting task can buy the emission rights from another nation whose industries do not produce as much of these gases. The market for carbon is possible because the goal of the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce emissions as a collective.

Carbon trading seems like a win-win situation: greenhouse gas emissions may be reduced while some countries reap economic benefit. Critics of the idea suspect that some countries will exploit the trading system and the consequences will be negative. While carbon trading may have its merits, debate over this type of market is inevitable, since it involves finding a compromise between profit, equality and ecological concerns.

There are two ways to trade emissions; mandatory and voluntary. Mandatory emissions trading schemes have strict compliance rules (under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - UNFCCC). The voluntary market provides companies with different options to acquire emissions reductions.

As a result of UNFCCC, large amounts of finance for forested nations is made available to get 'ready' for REDD (e.g. building governance, national REDD strategies and monitoring systems

REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) Forest areas are often worth more harvested than left standing. REDD is a mechanism that aims to change incentive structures in favour of protecting forests.

The details of how REDD will work in practice are still being agreed, but at the 2009 Copenhagen Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, US$ 3.5 billion was committed to speed up REDD policies, guidelines and activities.

A REDD mechanism could provide compensation to governments, communities, companies or individuals if they have taken actions to reduce emissions from forest loss below an established reference level. The sustainable management of forests then becomes a smart economic decision, as well as a smart decision for the environment.

Although funding towards REDD will likely take many different forms, one option that is often discussed is to link REDD to carbon markets in developed countries. Companies could then meet their emission reduction commitments by channelling funding to REDD in forest-rich countries. Carbon markets would generate significant funding for REDD – at a scale rarely seen before. There is a risk, though. If REDD does not work as intended, its failure could reduce or even eliminate reduction efforts in developed countries.

The idea of supporting countries to protect their forests sounds simple. But governments have only limited control over many of the drivers of deforestation.

There are a number of difficult questions that have yet to be fully answered including:

• How do you ensure that REDD leads to emissions reductions that are “real and additional,” meaning they would not have happened without a REDD programme?

• How do you know that reducing deforestation in one place will not cause increased deforestation in another? This is what is called “leakage.”

• How do you know that REDD will not just be a temporary fix, but rather will protect forests permanently?

• How do you ensure that REDD will not adversely impact the rights and livelihoods of the millions of people who live in or around forests, especially in poorly governed states?

• How do you measure, report and verify emission reductions from forests? This is especially challenging for measuring reductions in forest degradation.



There are several Ethiopian Forestry Carbon Projects either in existence or being planned.

Ethiopian Forestry Carbon Projects at-a-glance, 2010

Note abbreviations: AR Afforestation and Reforestation CCB Climate, community biodiversity CDM Clean development mechanism CO2 Carbon Dioxide ha hectares Mt Million tonnes

NTFP Non-timber forest product PDD Project design document PFM Participatory forest management PIN Project idea note REDD Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation VCS Voluntary carbon standard

Project Title Activity Developer/Organisations Other information

1 Humbo Ethiopia Assisted Natural Regeneration Project

AR The project was developed by World Vision Australia and is supported by the World Bank Bio Carbon Fund.

A registered CDM project over 2728 ha the project is aiming for 0.4Mt CO2 by 2020 and has been generating Emission Reductions since 2006.

2 NTFP PFM, South West Ethiopia

REDD Ethiopian Wetlands and Natural Resource Association would be the project coordinator

A PIN has been completed and the project is in the Plan Vivo pipeline. Over 81,000 ha the project aims to deliver 0.1Mt CO2 annually.

3 North Gonder Zone REDD Austrian Development Cooperation with the Ethiopian Environment Protection Agency

This project is of unknown status, but see: http://www.entwicklung.at/en/news/can-reddsave- north-gonders-remaining-naturalforests. Html

4 Rangelands Carbon REDD Save the Children US with the Tropical Forest Group

This project is only at the feasibility assessment stage.

5 Bale Eco-Region REDD

REDD Oromia Regional State Forest and Wildlife Enterprise with Farm Africa and SOS Sahel partnership

PIN completed and PDD under development. Covering 700,000 ha the project would generate 2.5Mt CO2 over 10 years. The project is seeking VCS and CCB standards.

6 Wolkite Town Tree Planting

AR Greener Ethiopia with Carbon Me (UK)

There is little information available on the status of this project that should cover 10,000 ha in the Wabe River Basin and plant 100 million trees in 5 years. See: http://www.greenerethiopia.org/

7 Gurage Zone Replantation

AR Greener Ethiopia with Carbon Me (UK)

There is little information available on the status of this project in the Gurage Zone. See: http://www.greenerethiopia.org/

8 Sodo Ethiopia AR World Vision Australia The 476 ha project in the highlands of Mount Damota near Sodo is seeking accreditation from Carbon Fix and CCB Standards. The project will plan more than 1 million trees sequestering 77,000t CO2e

Source: SOS Sahel FARM AFRICA, ‘Briefing: REDD in East Africa+, June 2010’, Table 2 East Africa+ Forestry Carbon Projects at-a-glance. Author: Charlene Watson



6. Donor Organisations



6 Donor Organisations

Austrian Development Cooperation

As part of Sustainable Resource Programme 5yr Euro 1 million, started in 2008. Ends February 2013. One programme area was National Park Infrastructure Development to help visitors stay longer by funding tourist infrastructure such as toilets and water storage. Also alternative livelihoods such as introduction of apple orchards.

Dereje Kebede, Programme Manager, Rural Development and Food Security

Park infrastructure included construction of guard outposts in Simien Mountains NP (completed) and HQ building and outposts in Alatish NP (under construction)

Department for International Development (DFID UK

Two large programmes:

1. Strategic Climate Institutions Programme (SCIP) £50 million to help build Ethiopia’s institutional capacity to respond to climate change. KPMG managing funds on behalf of DFID. KPMG will start to award money April 2012 onwards.

Two parts

• SCIP Fund to support government, civil society, academia and other development partners

• SCIP Innovation Centre focused on the private sector (small and medium enterprises). Likely to focus on the agriculture and energy sectors. The Centre will also house the GirlPlanet initiative which aims to create girl-run low carbon businesses

2. Climate High Level Investment Programme (CHIP) A framework for UK climate investment in Ethiopia. Will operate at three levels; national, sector and project (with priority for National level). CHIP to have three phased approach from preparatory finance to scale up. First Phase Programme budget £30 m.

Three functions.

a. Identify and develop potential climate investment opportunities.

b. Assessment of expected results and value for money of each investment opportunity.

c. Help to channel International Climate Fund (ICF) resources to activities in Ethiopia

Negussu Aklilu and Emma Williams, Climate change Advisors

European Union Three core areas of support:

• Rural Development and Food Security (Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP), Agricultural markets and livestock development, Natural Resource Management, Rural-urban linkages and urban development, Rural electrification)

• Macro-economic Support and Governance

• Transport and regional integration

Non focal sectors: Environment, Cultural and Biological Heritage Conservation; De-mining

Environment and Climate Change sector Within its focus on food security, the EU considers natural resources a key determinant for people's livelihood and supports the sustainable management of Ethiopia's environment through a number of activities such as Participatory Forest Management (PFM), Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP), Biodiversity conservation including conservation of mountain bamboo and its sustainable use as biomass energy (total:Euro 31.7 m) as well as the PSNP (Euro 241 m) which focuses on rehabilitation of degraded environment through its public works component.



To increase the awareness and capacity of Government institutions both at Federal and Regional levels and of the rural population at large to deal with climate change, the EC has attributed Euro 13.7 m through the GCCA (Global Climate Change Alliance) funding in Ethiopia. Euro 8.5 m is to supplement the ongoing Sustainable Land Management (SLM) activities while Euro 4 m is for capacity building and knowledge management for EPA and the Ministries of Agriculture and Energy.

Specific environmental projects within the above areas:

• Sustainable Participatory Forest Management Partner MoARD. Scaling up PFM in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumaz, SNNPR, Oromiya. (Euro 6 m)

Partner with University of Huddersfield, UK. Improved livelihoods through non-timber forest product (NTFP) development and payment for environmental services in NW parts of SNNPR. (Euro 3.35 m)

Partner FARM Africa. PFM and NFTP promotion with in Oromiya, SNNPR, Benishangul-Gumaz, Amhara. (Euro 3.08 m)

• Biodiversity programme in Amhara Partner Welt Hunger Hilfe (German Agro Action) in Highland and Lowland areas. (Euro 2.16 m)

• Bamboo as sustainable biomass energy alternative for fire wood and charcoal. Partner with International Network for Bamboo and Rattan. Benishangul-Gumaz, Amhara and SNNPR. (Euro 1.7 m)

• Implementing effective and sustainable biodiversity conservation in Afro-montane ecosystems Partner Frankfurt Zoological Society. Bale Mountains NP, Simien Mountains NP, Guassa Community Conservation Area, Abune Yoseph Community Conservation Area (Euro 3.42 m)

• Conservation of wild Arabica coffee Partner University of Huddersfield, UK in Priority Forest Areas of Kontir Birhan and Buginda. (Euro 2.45 m)

• Ethiopia Global Climate Change Alliance Partner AFD and GIZ. Building capacity and knowledge on climate change resilient actions. in Nile River basin in Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR) (Euro 13.7 m)

Plans in the pipeline include:

• Horn of Africa Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Dryland Forest and Biodiversity regional project (Euro 14 m). To support cross-border eco-systems including the Boma - Gambella Landscape and Lake Abbe on Djbouti border

• Ethiopia Promoting heritage as a catalyst for Ethiopia's Development. Preserve and promote sustainable management of culture and biodiversity heritage and use these resources as vectors for lasting socio-economic development. To include effective management of protected areas, tourism developments and community conservation

Xavier Marchal, Ambassador Head of Delegation

Friedrich Mahler, Programme Manager, Rural Development and Food Security Section



Embassy of Finland Now mainly supporting water, land and agriculture programmes

Land and Water Resources Management

• Watershed development: Tana Beles Integrated Water Resources Development Project (Euro 5 m). Amhara Region. 4 yrs.

• Responsible and Innovative Land Administration in Ethiopia (Euro 12.8 m)

Agricultural Growth To contribute to poverty reduction through agriculture based economic growth.

Martha Solomon, Water and Agriculture Advisor

GIZ (Gesellischaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit)

GIZ now concentrating on sustainable land management.

Some other proposals at concept stage for further PFM projects as part of biodiversity conservation, not yet approved.

See text on Ambero and GITEC the consulting firm contracted by GIZ for PFM work. (See pp 24)

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Two projects linked to protected areas

1. Simien Community Tourism Project (SIMCOT) 3 Year, US$ 3.4 million, public-private partnership project started November 2011. Developing sustainable ecotourism as alternative livelihood for communities around the Park and also with Gich community currently living inside the Park. Will include baseline survey, capacity building and training, developing integrated tourism plan

Miho Oikawa, Project Formulation Advisor, Private Sector Development

2. Belete-Gera Participatory Forest Management Project Seven year project finishes end March 2012

Kingdom of the Netherlands In 2010, Dutch Minister decided to wind down international environmental programmes. Main international development areas now are: Food Security, Sexual Health and Rule of Law/Governance.

Some room for land use planning and livelihoods within food security area.

Gerrit Noordam, First Secretary Sustainable Development and Natural Resource Management

Hopes to sign agreement soon with HOAREC for Gambella and Central Rift Valley

Royal Norwegian Embassy Support three interlinked ‘pillars’. Support programmes and do not implement. Up to $60 million to split between • Agriculture • Forestry • Energy

Agriculture: Sustainable land use management, ‘climate smart’ agriculture/ food security, In line with World Bank Agriculture Grwoth Programme. Forestry: Has supported Bale Eco Region for several years.(OFWE and FARM/SOS Sahel). Have extended programme for one year till end 2012. Energy: Loose strategic partnership with DFID agreed at Durban Climate Change talks. Cooking stoves: Awaiting government investment programme and will then look at support possibilities. REDD+: Awaiting Government decision regarding a pilot area. New projects: Will assess in line with Government Climate Resilient Green Economy Plan.

Katrine Vestbostad, Counsellor, Climate Change, Environment and Climate Change

Sisay Nune, Programme Officer

To meet for update



Sweden International Development Agency

Bilateral strategy for Ethiopia 2003 to 2007. Now renewed on an annual basis.

Two funding sources: SIDA and Swede Fund.

SIDA 100 million kronor (one third supporting PhD studies in Addis Ababa, half on human rights and governance, remainder on supporting private sector and rural development especially empowering women.) Business for Development.

SIDA supports umbrella organisations. Only environmental support is to Sustainable Land Use Forum

Abdulhady Mohammed, National Programme Officer for Civil Society

Torsten Anderrson, Counsellor/Advisor, Private Sector and Rural Development

USA Embassy, East African Regional Environment Office

Does not have a Programme Budget. Primary objective is to develop environmental policy and network initiatives.

Edwin Brown, Regional Environment Officer

USAID No specific Environmental Programme

Randy Chester, Business Environment, Agriculture and Trade (BEAT)

Dubale Admasu, Pastoralist and Livestock Programme Coordinator Economic Growth and Transformation Office

World Bank World Bank Climate Fund

Other overseas donor organisations

STN (Dutch Foundation Transhumanance and Nature or Stiching Transhumanance and Nature)

Funding Visitors Centre at Sinkele through WILDCODE

Swedish Society for Nature Funded ISD and Melca Ethiopia



C. Contact details

ethiopian protected areas a 'snapshot' march 2012

Documents