Article Type: Review This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigati... more Article Type: Review This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation options in Ethiopia. Both climate variability and change have been occurring in Ethiopia. Evidences show that since 1960 the mean annual temperature of the country has risen by about 1.3°C, an average rate of 0.28°C per decade, and spatial and temporal rainfall variability has been increasing. As such, Ethiopia has been experiencing the impacts of both climate variability and change. Climate change has led to recurrent droughts and famines, flooding, expansion of desertification, loss of wetlands, loss of biodiversity, decline in agricultural production and productivity, shortage of water, and increased incidence of pests and diseases such as spread of cereal stemborers and malaria to higher elevation areas. On the other hand, Ethiopia has shown both conservation and policy responses to combat climate change. Protected area systems, afforestation and reforestation progr...
The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and develo... more The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and development in Ethiopia. Tourism industry is currently emerging as one of the most important economic sectors in the world. In 2013, tourism accounted for 6 % of the world’s overall exports, 9.1 % of the employment (1 in 11 jobs) and 9 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In line with the growth of international tourism, the tourism industry in Ethiopia is now growing fast. Indeed, there is a great potential for the development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has many remarkable natural, historical and cultural tourist attractions. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. International tourist arrivals in Ethiopia increased from 138,856 in 1997 to 596,341 in 2012. Tourism receipts (revenues) also increased from USD 43 million in 1997 to USD 1.2 billion in 2012. Tourism is, generally, with minimum impacts on the environment. Moreover, tourism contribute...
Article Type: Review This review highlights the threats to biodiversity and the conservation meth... more Article Type: Review This review highlights the threats to biodiversity and the conservation methods from a global perspective. Biodiversity includes a number of different levels of variation in the natural world. It can be measured at various levels. The most commonly used measures of biological diversity are genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. At spatial scales, biodiversity can be measured as alpha diversity, beta diversity, gamma diversity and delta diversity. Biodiversity also includes cultural diversity (biocultural diversity). Biodiversity has environmental, cultural, social, economic, medicinal, scientific, educational and aesthetic values. However, biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly anthropogenic factors. The threats to biodiversity are agricultural expansion, overexploitation, urbanization and industrialization, pollution, fire incidence, exotic species, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and glob...
This review highlights the major drivers and consequences of deforestation in Ethiopia and the fo... more This review highlights the major drivers and consequences of deforestation in Ethiopia and the forest conservation options. Ethiopia possesses diverse forest resources, which is attributed to its topographic, edaphic and climatic diversity. The forest resources have immense environmental and socio-economic values and thereby play a great role in the sustainable development of the country. However, the forest resources of Ethiopia are dwindling at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly anthropogenic factors. The major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are agricultural expansion, overexploitation, urbanization, fire incidence, exotic species and villagization/resettlement, which are all driven by human population growth. There are a number of challenges/problems/ constraints that are limiting the effectiveness of conservation and management of forest resources. Deforestation has led to soil erosion and decline in soil fertility, loss of or decline in biodiversity, shortage of wood and non-wood forest products, reduction in agricultural production and productivity, recurrent drought and famine, flooding, scarcity of water, loss or degradation of wetlands, siltation of water bodies, desertification, climate change, and poverty. Therefore, greater and concerted efforts are needed to reduce deforestation and environmental degradation and thereby ensure environmental stability and human wellbeing in Ethiopia.
Background: The remaining natural forests of Ethiopia are only small patches mostly confined to i... more Background: The remaining natural forests of Ethiopia are only small patches mostly confined to inaccessible areas and sacred places. Fach forest is one of the remnant dry evergreen Afromontane forests (DAFs) in northwestern Ethiopia. There is lack of information on the vegetation ecology of the forest. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the floristic composition and diversity, population structure, regeneration status and socio-economic importance of Fach forest, and the anthropogenic factors affecting it.Methods: Vegetation data were collected from a total of 34 plots, measuring 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) each and established along line transects approximately at 100 m intervals. A general survey consisting of field observations, key-informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to collect socio-economic data. Results: A total of 230 vascular plant species belonging to 183 genera and 76 families were recorded from the study area, of which 45 (19.57%) w...
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Et... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Ethiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity...
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Et... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Ethiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity...
This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation opt... more This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation options in Ethiopia. Both climate variability and change have been occurring in Ethiopia. Evidences show that since 1960 the mean annual temperature of the country has risen by about 1.3°C, an average rate of 0.28°C per decade, and spatial and temporal rainfall variability has been increasing. As such, Ethiopia has been experiencing the impacts of both climate variability and change. Climate change has led to recurrent droughts and famines, flooding, expansion of desertification, loss of wetlands, loss of biodiversity, decline in agricultural production and productivity, shortage of water, and increased incidence of pests and diseases such as spread of cereal stemborers and malaria to higher elevation areas. On the other hand, Ethiopia has shown both conservation and policy responses to combat climate change. Protected area systems, afforestation and reforestation programmes, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, ecological agriculture, flexible livestock production, homegardens and traditional agroforestry systems, harvesting and use/marketing of non-timber forest products and climate change education, are all feasible strategies for mitigating and adapting climate change. Indeed, there is a need to employ the right mix of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies prioritized in space and time so as to reduce vulnerability of biodiversity and humanity to the escalating impacts of climate change. To this end, capacity building should be a priority. Moreover, there is a need to collaborate with the international community to combat climate change, which is a global challenge.
The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and develo... more The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and development in Ethiopia. Tourism industry is currently emerging as one of the most important economic sectors in the world. In 2013, tourism accounted for 6 % of the world's overall exports, 9.1 % of the employment (1 in 11 jobs) and 9 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In line with the growth of international tourism, the tourism industry in Ethiopia is now growing fast. Indeed, there is a great potential for the development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has many remarkable natural, historical and cultural tourist attractions. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. International tourist arrivals in Ethiopia increased from 138,856 in 1997 to 596,341 in 2012. Tourism receipts (revenues) also increased from USD 43 million in 1997 to USD 1.2 billion in 2012. Tourism is, generally, with minimum impacts on the environment. Moreover, tourism contributes to the conservation and management of natural, historical and cultural resources. Some of the revenues generated from tourism can be used (should be used) for conservation of biodiversity (establishment and management of protected areas, greening landscapes), preservation and restoration of historical and cultural resources and raising the environmental awareness of residents and visitors. Tourism significantly contributes to the local and national economy. In 2011, tourism accounted for 6.6 % of the overall export. In 2012, tourism generated over 700,000 jobs and accounted for 2.29 % of the GDP. Therefore, tourism plays a great role in natural and cultural heritage conservation and socioeconomic development. Ethiopia needs to promote sustainable tourism including ecotourism. On the other hand, if tourism is not properly planned and managed, tourism development can lead to negative economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. Tourism development in Ethiopia should be based on the principles of sustainability-social equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Sustainable tourism maximizes the benefits of tourism and minimizes its negative impacts. Ethiopian tourism, through effective policy and plans, is expected to make major progress in the future.
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with theEth... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with theEthiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity. The benefits of Eucalyptus are far greater than the negative impacts. The negative impacts are mainly because of the poor management rather than its biological characteristics. Eucalyptus has been found to be efficient water user. In fact, it is fast growing and thereby consumes more nutrients from the soil. Applying appropriate silviculture and management on Eucalyptus planting will enhance the utilization of this important tree for maintaining and/or restoring the environment and solving socio-economic problems in Ethiopia and elsewhere. It appears that there are no profound reasons not to continue Eucalyptus planting in Ethiopia.
Article Type: Review This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigati... more Article Type: Review This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation options in Ethiopia. Both climate variability and change have been occurring in Ethiopia. Evidences show that since 1960 the mean annual temperature of the country has risen by about 1.3°C, an average rate of 0.28°C per decade, and spatial and temporal rainfall variability has been increasing. As such, Ethiopia has been experiencing the impacts of both climate variability and change. Climate change has led to recurrent droughts and famines, flooding, expansion of desertification, loss of wetlands, loss of biodiversity, decline in agricultural production and productivity, shortage of water, and increased incidence of pests and diseases such as spread of cereal stemborers and malaria to higher elevation areas. On the other hand, Ethiopia has shown both conservation and policy responses to combat climate change. Protected area systems, afforestation and reforestation progr...
The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and develo... more The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and development in Ethiopia. Tourism industry is currently emerging as one of the most important economic sectors in the world. In 2013, tourism accounted for 6 % of the world’s overall exports, 9.1 % of the employment (1 in 11 jobs) and 9 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In line with the growth of international tourism, the tourism industry in Ethiopia is now growing fast. Indeed, there is a great potential for the development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has many remarkable natural, historical and cultural tourist attractions. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. International tourist arrivals in Ethiopia increased from 138,856 in 1997 to 596,341 in 2012. Tourism receipts (revenues) also increased from USD 43 million in 1997 to USD 1.2 billion in 2012. Tourism is, generally, with minimum impacts on the environment. Moreover, tourism contribute...
Article Type: Review This review highlights the threats to biodiversity and the conservation meth... more Article Type: Review This review highlights the threats to biodiversity and the conservation methods from a global perspective. Biodiversity includes a number of different levels of variation in the natural world. It can be measured at various levels. The most commonly used measures of biological diversity are genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. At spatial scales, biodiversity can be measured as alpha diversity, beta diversity, gamma diversity and delta diversity. Biodiversity also includes cultural diversity (biocultural diversity). Biodiversity has environmental, cultural, social, economic, medicinal, scientific, educational and aesthetic values. However, biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly anthropogenic factors. The threats to biodiversity are agricultural expansion, overexploitation, urbanization and industrialization, pollution, fire incidence, exotic species, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and glob...
This review highlights the major drivers and consequences of deforestation in Ethiopia and the fo... more This review highlights the major drivers and consequences of deforestation in Ethiopia and the forest conservation options. Ethiopia possesses diverse forest resources, which is attributed to its topographic, edaphic and climatic diversity. The forest resources have immense environmental and socio-economic values and thereby play a great role in the sustainable development of the country. However, the forest resources of Ethiopia are dwindling at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly anthropogenic factors. The major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are agricultural expansion, overexploitation, urbanization, fire incidence, exotic species and villagization/resettlement, which are all driven by human population growth. There are a number of challenges/problems/ constraints that are limiting the effectiveness of conservation and management of forest resources. Deforestation has led to soil erosion and decline in soil fertility, loss of or decline in biodiversity, shortage of wood and non-wood forest products, reduction in agricultural production and productivity, recurrent drought and famine, flooding, scarcity of water, loss or degradation of wetlands, siltation of water bodies, desertification, climate change, and poverty. Therefore, greater and concerted efforts are needed to reduce deforestation and environmental degradation and thereby ensure environmental stability and human wellbeing in Ethiopia.
Background: The remaining natural forests of Ethiopia are only small patches mostly confined to i... more Background: The remaining natural forests of Ethiopia are only small patches mostly confined to inaccessible areas and sacred places. Fach forest is one of the remnant dry evergreen Afromontane forests (DAFs) in northwestern Ethiopia. There is lack of information on the vegetation ecology of the forest. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the floristic composition and diversity, population structure, regeneration status and socio-economic importance of Fach forest, and the anthropogenic factors affecting it.Methods: Vegetation data were collected from a total of 34 plots, measuring 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) each and established along line transects approximately at 100 m intervals. A general survey consisting of field observations, key-informant interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to collect socio-economic data. Results: A total of 230 vascular plant species belonging to 183 genera and 76 families were recorded from the study area, of which 45 (19.57%) w...
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Et... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Ethiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity...
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Et... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with the Ethiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity...
This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation opt... more This review highlights climate change and its drivers, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation options in Ethiopia. Both climate variability and change have been occurring in Ethiopia. Evidences show that since 1960 the mean annual temperature of the country has risen by about 1.3°C, an average rate of 0.28°C per decade, and spatial and temporal rainfall variability has been increasing. As such, Ethiopia has been experiencing the impacts of both climate variability and change. Climate change has led to recurrent droughts and famines, flooding, expansion of desertification, loss of wetlands, loss of biodiversity, decline in agricultural production and productivity, shortage of water, and increased incidence of pests and diseases such as spread of cereal stemborers and malaria to higher elevation areas. On the other hand, Ethiopia has shown both conservation and policy responses to combat climate change. Protected area systems, afforestation and reforestation programmes, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, ecological agriculture, flexible livestock production, homegardens and traditional agroforestry systems, harvesting and use/marketing of non-timber forest products and climate change education, are all feasible strategies for mitigating and adapting climate change. Indeed, there is a need to employ the right mix of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies prioritized in space and time so as to reduce vulnerability of biodiversity and humanity to the escalating impacts of climate change. To this end, capacity building should be a priority. Moreover, there is a need to collaborate with the international community to combat climate change, which is a global challenge.
The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and develo... more The aim of this review is to highlight the roles of tourism/ecotourism in conservation and development in Ethiopia. Tourism industry is currently emerging as one of the most important economic sectors in the world. In 2013, tourism accounted for 6 % of the world's overall exports, 9.1 % of the employment (1 in 11 jobs) and 9 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In line with the growth of international tourism, the tourism industry in Ethiopia is now growing fast. Indeed, there is a great potential for the development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has many remarkable natural, historical and cultural tourist attractions. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. International tourist arrivals in Ethiopia increased from 138,856 in 1997 to 596,341 in 2012. Tourism receipts (revenues) also increased from USD 43 million in 1997 to USD 1.2 billion in 2012. Tourism is, generally, with minimum impacts on the environment. Moreover, tourism contributes to the conservation and management of natural, historical and cultural resources. Some of the revenues generated from tourism can be used (should be used) for conservation of biodiversity (establishment and management of protected areas, greening landscapes), preservation and restoration of historical and cultural resources and raising the environmental awareness of residents and visitors. Tourism significantly contributes to the local and national economy. In 2011, tourism accounted for 6.6 % of the overall export. In 2012, tourism generated over 700,000 jobs and accounted for 2.29 % of the GDP. Therefore, tourism plays a great role in natural and cultural heritage conservation and socioeconomic development. Ethiopia needs to promote sustainable tourism including ecotourism. On the other hand, if tourism is not properly planned and managed, tourism development can lead to negative economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts. Tourism development in Ethiopia should be based on the principles of sustainability-social equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Sustainable tourism maximizes the benefits of tourism and minimizes its negative impacts. Ethiopian tourism, through effective policy and plans, is expected to make major progress in the future.
Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with theEth... more Eucalyptus is one of the exotic tree species in Ethiopia. It has been once associated with theEthiopian environment and economy. It is one of the most successful trees; it adapts to a variety of environments. Eucalyptus is often considered to have undesirable ecological qualities such as depletion of soil water and nutrients, aggressive competition for resources with native flora, unsuitability for erosion control, production of allelopathic chemicals that suppress the growth of other plants and provision of inadequate food and habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, Eucalyptus provides multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. It is useful for provision of wood and other products thereby reducing the pressure on the natural forests, conservation of soil and water, rehabilitation of degraded lands, fostering the regeneration of native woody species, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, drainage of swampy areas, mitigation of climate change and provision of amenity. The benefits of Eucalyptus are far greater than the negative impacts. The negative impacts are mainly because of the poor management rather than its biological characteristics. Eucalyptus has been found to be efficient water user. In fact, it is fast growing and thereby consumes more nutrients from the soil. Applying appropriate silviculture and management on Eucalyptus planting will enhance the utilization of this important tree for maintaining and/or restoring the environment and solving socio-economic problems in Ethiopia and elsewhere. It appears that there are no profound reasons not to continue Eucalyptus planting in Ethiopia.
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conservation options. Ethiopia possesses diverse forest resources, which is attributed to its topographic,
edaphic and climatic diversity. The forest resources have immense environmental and socio-economic
values and thereby play a great role in the sustainable development of the country. However, the forest
resources of Ethiopia are dwindling at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly
anthropogenic factors. The major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are agricultural
expansion, overexploitation, urbanization, fire incidence, exotic species and villagization/resettlement,
which are all driven by human population growth. There are a number of challenges/problems/
constraints that are limiting the effectiveness of conservation and management of forest resources.
Deforestation has led to soil erosion and decline in soil fertility, loss of or decline in biodiversity,
shortage of wood and non-wood forest products, reduction in agricultural production and productivity,
recurrent drought and famine, flooding, scarcity of water, loss or degradation of wetlands, siltation of
water bodies, desertification, climate change, and poverty. Therefore, greater and concerted efforts are
needed to reduce deforestation and environmental degradation and thereby ensure environmental
stability and human wellbeing in Ethiopia.
conservation options. Ethiopia possesses diverse forest resources, which is attributed to its topographic,
edaphic and climatic diversity. The forest resources have immense environmental and socio-economic
values and thereby play a great role in the sustainable development of the country. However, the forest
resources of Ethiopia are dwindling at an alarming rate due to natural and more importantly
anthropogenic factors. The major drivers of deforestation and forest degradation are agricultural
expansion, overexploitation, urbanization, fire incidence, exotic species and villagization/resettlement,
which are all driven by human population growth. There are a number of challenges/problems/
constraints that are limiting the effectiveness of conservation and management of forest resources.
Deforestation has led to soil erosion and decline in soil fertility, loss of or decline in biodiversity,
shortage of wood and non-wood forest products, reduction in agricultural production and productivity,
recurrent drought and famine, flooding, scarcity of water, loss or degradation of wetlands, siltation of
water bodies, desertification, climate change, and poverty. Therefore, greater and concerted efforts are
needed to reduce deforestation and environmental degradation and thereby ensure environmental
stability and human wellbeing in Ethiopia.