High-Level Forum Stresses Urgent Action for Ethiopia’s Wetlands Conservation

Addis Ababa, June 16, 2025 (ENA)— Stakeholders emphasized the importance of enhanced partnership among various sectors for wetlands conservation and restoration in Ethiopia.

A high-level meeting aimed at enhancing wetlands conservation and restoration efforts in Ethiopia was held today.

Speaking at the occasion, Environmental Protection Authority Deputy Director General, Frenesh Mekuria highlighted the critical role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity and regulating water cycles.

She also mentioned that safeguarding ecological processes, mitigating climate change impacts and balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship are important contributions of wetlands.

The Ethiopian government is committed to conserving these vital ecosystems, which are often overlooked in national development plans, she stressed.

 The deputy director general also stated that the government of Ethiopia has taken concrete steps such as the establishment of wetland bodies and wetland use monitoring desk within the Environmental Protection Authority.

 

 Wetland protection and sustainable management legal framework and the recent riparian buffer zone delineation and conservation proclamation are affirmation to safeguard water related ecosystems and for sustainable use of wetlands in the country, she elaborated.

Urging stakeholders to unite and form strategic partnerships that leverage resources, knowledge, and expertise, she stressed that it is imperative to protect wetlands for future generations.

“Partnership is essential to advance our collective goals for sustainable wetland management. Effective wetlands management requires robust data, innovative solutions and inclusive participation. We seek enhanced support from our partners including Wetlands International. Together we can build the capacity needed for effective monitoring, developing cutting edge management strategies and mobilizing resources for impactful interventions,” she elaborated.

On his part, Wetlands International CEO, Coenraad Krijger said that the wetlands in Ethiopia only cover 2 percent of the area, emphasizing conservation and restoring wetlands which are crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience and the people.

 

Stakeholders including international partners, the private sector and local communities have the responsibility to work together to conserve and preserve the endangered wetlands of the country, he said, adding that reinforcing timely collaboration is key to successful conservation efforts.

He expressed his organization's commitment to supporting Ethiopia's wetlands initiatives since 2014 along with the Ethiopian government and local stakeholders to implement sustainable practices that will protect and restore wetlands in different areas such as in Rift Valley around Ziway lakes.

Wetlands International Country Representative, Simeneh Shiferaw on his part said that Ethiopia is endowed with rich wetland ecosystems including highland marshes to rift valley lakes and floodplain systems.

According to him, Ethiopian wetlands are not only landscapes; they are livelihoods for millions providing essential ecosystem services such as clean water, food security, flood regulation, carbon sequestration and vital habitat for very important biodiversity.

 

 However, these invaluable assets of the country demand urgent needs and concerted action due to various challenges.

 “These invaluable assets face multiple pressures from climate change; unsustainable land and water resource use practices. The consequences such as degradation of the ecosystem, loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability of communities demand urgent and strategic action,” he stated.

 There is no single entity that can address these complex challenges; conserving and restoring wetlands rather require inclusive and innovative partnerships to secure this vital ecosystem, the country representative stressed.