IGAD Hails Ethiopia’s Environmental Restoration Efforts as Regional Model

Addis Ababa, September 22, 2026 (ENA) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has commended Ethiopia’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the country’s experience offers valuable lessons for other member states seeking to strengthen environmental resilience and sustain community livelihoods.

IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware highlighted watershed protection, tree planting, land restoration, and water harvesting among Ethiopia’s key environmental initiatives that could help address climate-related challenges across the region.

Speaking to ENA on the sidelines of the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa, held in Addis Ababa from September 15 to 17, 2026, Ware described Ethiopia’s environmental restoration efforts as very encouraging.

“These things that Ethiopia has shown to be a leader really contribute not only to preventing problems in the short term, but will contribute to the long-term health of our environment,” Ware said.

He said restoring degraded land, protecting watersheds, planting trees and harvesting water can improve communities’ access to clean water and productive land while reducing the risks of landslides and other environmental hazards, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas.

According to Ware, such measures can also help reduce environmentally driven migration and displacement by strengthening communities’ resilience to climate related pressures.

He further emphasized that environmental restoration has benefits that extend beyond ecological protection, noting that healthy ecosystems can support sustainable livelihoods and improve the economic wellbeing of communities.

Ware said IGAD’s mandate includes facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences among member states, enabling countries to learn from successful initiatives implemented elsewhere in the region.

In this regard, he identified Ethiopia’s environmental experience as an example that other IGAD member states could study and adapt to their own circumstances. 

He also noted that Kenya is undertaking significant environmental restoration initiatives.

He said expanding such efforts across the region could strengthen environmental resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods and reducing communities’ vulnerability to climate related shocks.

Ware’s remarks came as the IGAD Regional High-Level Forum on El Niño Preparedness for the Horn of Africa brought together member states and stakeholders to strengthen regional preparedness and anticipatory action against climate related risks.