Ethiopia pioneers establishment of plant genetic resource centers for biodiversity: Institute Says

By Mekonnen Teshome Tollera

Photo: Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Gene Bank

ADDIS ABABA (June 9, 2022) - The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) told Ethiopiascience.com that Ethiopia has been pioneering in establishing plant genetic resource centers for biodiversity conservation in Africa.

According to EBI, Ethiopia is endowed with an estimated number of 6,000 species of higher plants, of which 10 percent are endemic.

With 284 species of wild mammals and 861 species of birds, the country has been aggressively working over the last decades to systematically identify and conserve its biodiversity resources, Mr. Melese Mario, Director General of the institute said.

Ethiopia, Africa's second populous nation, has a long years of experience in biodiversity conservation

And it is one of the earliest signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

As to the General Director, the institute has done a commendable works of biodiversity management especially in the conservation of crops and horticulture by establishing a Africa’s pioneering gene bank.

With regard to animal biodiversity conservation substantial efforts has been made on Ethiopia's largest livestock population with 28 different breeds of cattle, some naturally resistant to diseases and droughts.

Among the challenges of biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia, lack of awareness on biodiversity resources, climate change, financial constraints as well as various diseases are the major ones, according to Mr. Tesfaye Awas, Institute Director for Research, Dissemination and Projects.

Absence of proper data organization on biodiversity information is another problem affecting biodiversity conservation in the country.

Mr. Mario, also indicated that various activities are underway o bring biodiversity conservation issues top on the policy agenda, and harmonizing all efforts related to variety of Ethiopia diverse species, the ecosystems in all ecological areas including urban and rural areas, farming and industrial context, related water bodies, forests and the like.