Ministry Prepares Tree Seed Proclamation

Addis Ababa June 22, 2018 A draft tree seed proclamation that addresses the increasing demands of seeds, ensures quality and certification is prepared by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Tree Seed Technology Coordination Unit Director at the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Resource Institute (EEFRI), Yigardu Mulatu revealed yesterday that the draft proclamation is prepared to close the gaps of the Seed Proclamation No.782/2013, which does not include for tree seeds. At a two-day workshop organized by the institute and GIZ-Ethiopia, she said “the increasing supply and demands of tree seed in the country have become a source of income and job creation.” Yigardu further noted that the recent tree seed demand of the country has increased from 8 tons five years ago to 90 tons in a year. EEFRI Director-General Abiyot Berhanu said the institute has been collecting tree seeds to recover deforested lands. “To be one of the best institutes in Africa, EEFRI needs legal procedure, active involvement of the people and the concerned bodies as well as capital and human resources,” he added.