Nation Launches Roadmap, Land Acct. Report that Contribute to Economic Dev't, Climate Resilience

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia's Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) Roadmap and the 1st Edition Land Account Report were launched today.

Ethiopia's Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) Roadmap integrates environmental assets—such as land, forests, and water—into national economic planning; and the effort establishes a robust framework for assessing the sustainability of the country's economic development.

The other document, Ethiopia's 1st Edition Land Account, on the other hand, is a foundational milestone for the country's climate resilience goals. The accounts map land use and land cover dynamics using satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), and standardized data classifications.

They are expected to provide a physical and economic baseline that helps government agencies track the impacts of large-scale landscape management, reforestation, and land degradation neutrality projects, it was learned.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ministry of Planning and Development State Minister, Bereket Fesehatsion, said the ceremony is not only about presenting two important documents. It is also about affirming a shared national vision grounded in evidence-based policymaking, responsible stewardship of natural resources, and a firm commitment to building a future in which economic progress and environmental sustainability advance hand-in-hand.

Ethiopia’s Land Accounts represent will not be the last as institutional capacities expand and the  methods continue to improve, so too will our understanding of the full wealth of this nation, he  added.

According to him, data alone does not drive change as implementation requires partnership. The State Minister stressed the need for concerted efforts of all stakeholders — government institutions, the private sector, civil society, research institutions, academia, and international development partners  to join hands in this shared endeavor.

"Together, we must ensure that these accounts inform policy, guide investment, and shape decision-making at every level, he underscored.

Noting the progress achieved demonstrates what is possible when institutions collaborate with clarity of purpose and shared commitment, Bereket stated that the Ministry remains fully committed to embedding natural capital accounting at the heart of Ethiopia’s planning systems.

World Bank Operation Manager Juliana Victor, on her part, said such efforts  would have    significant value to protect and conserve natural resources.

These launchings actually reflect a stronger approach to development, she noted.

''Natural capital has not been sufficiently reflected in our economic decision-making, and when nature is not counted, it is often undervalued and misused. When it is undervalued, it’s also not easily integrated. Thus, the road map will also help to change that situation," the Manager added.

According to her, this achievement reflects many years of partnership, institution building, and technical support under the World Bank's resident and green development program advisory services and analytics.