Historical evidence revealed that a few hundred years ago more than 63% of the total land mass of Ethiopia was covered by dense forests but it is not greater than 3% now.  In relation to resource depletion, Ethiopians are facing rapid deforestation and land degradation that has been fueled by increase of population which in turn resulted in extensive forest clearing for agricultural use, overgrazing, exploitation of existing forests for fuel wood, fodder and construction materials, setting of fire to create pasture land and expansion of settlements.

Re-greening practices in Ethiopia are diverse, two main categories are: area closure and afforestation/reforestation. Area exclosure is the dominant type of  re-greening practice promoted by NGOs, as well as by multilateral and bilateral donors, on degraded lands whereas afforestation/reforestation includes small-scale and industrial plantations. Recently, the government has also begun promoting area closure activities across the country.

Czech Development Cooperation has been involved in the area of forestry for many years and currently  supports the government of Ethiopia in implementation of Rural Development Policy and Strategy  Policy and Investment Framework for the Agriculture Sector. Mainly through Natural Resource Management  by regeneration of degraded lands, afforestation and community sensitization. Development of sector of Agriculture in one of the main priorities of Ethiopian goverment given the economic significance.

 

In cooperation of Asterio Mariam Church in Oromo Region, H.E. Ambassador Pavel Mikeš and Father Wolde Mariam planted trees around the Church compound and discussed the issues connected to prevention of soil degradation with the community.