Ethiopia | Enhancing National Biodiversity Conservation

Ethiopia, a rugged landlocked country split by the the Great Rift Valley located in the Horn of Africa, one of the world’s oldest countries rich in history that offers a unique and diverse range of tourism experiences, form ancient rock - hewn churches to vibrant culture and stunning landscapes highlighted by a diverse wildlife and unique cultural practices make it a popular destination for adventure and cultural travellers alike, through EBI, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute is enhancing national biodiversity conservation.

EBI, Government body from Ethiopia involved in Agriculture, Environment & NRM, Research sectors with the mission to undertake study and analysis on the proper conservation of the country’s biodiversity and associate indigenous knowledge is reinforcing its conservation initiatives to protect Ethiopian diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species.

With over 92.000 plant genetic samples stored at its central gene bank in Addis Ababa, the Institute is employing both ex - situ and in - situ  to safeguard species of nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance.

Fields gene banks have also been established for species not suited to cold storage such as coffee at Choche Field Gene Bank in Jimma and at Bedessa, the largest coffee gene bank in Harar, and medicinal plants at Goba.

Ethiopia is widely recognized as a global gene centre, particularly for several key crops, like teff, noug, Ethiopian mustard, and hosts extensive genetic diversity in cereals and legumes. This means that the African country is a major source of genetic diversity for various plant species, including both domesticated crops and their wild relative.

The country also boasts a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including over 284 mammal species, 861 bird species, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish. Many of these species are endemic to Ethiopia, meaning they are found nowhere in the world.

 Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute does include legal protection of endangered plant species in its efforts. This is part of their broader conservation initiatives which also encompass collaboration with local and international boadies and the promotion of climate - resilient crops. 

These activities form part of wider efforts to support agricultural sustainability and uphold Ethiopia’s biological heritage and EBI recognizes the importance of plant diversity for both the ecosystem and potential medicinal and food resources.

 Link - https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-steps-up-national-biodiversity-conservation-efforts.html