Sustainable forest management: success and challenges in Ethiopia
Forests play a vital role in combating the global climate crisis by absorbing approximately 7.6 billion ton of CO2 equivalent per year1. The issue of sustainable forest management (SFM) has gained worldwide attention due to the critical role forests play in achieving socioeconomic and environmental...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Selva Andina Research Society
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of the Selva Andina Biosphere |
| Online Access: | http://www.scielo.org.bo/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2308-38592025000100001&lng=es&nrm=iso&tlng=en |
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| Summary: | Forests play a vital role in combating the global climate crisis by absorbing approximately 7.6 billion ton of CO2 equivalent per year1. The issue of sustainable forest management (SFM) has gained worldwide attention due to the critical role forests play in achieving socioeconomic and environmental goals. In Ethiopia, SFM encompasses various practices, including reforestation, selective harvesting, and participatory management, all of which are informed by both ecological and socio-economic considerations. The Ethiopian government actively promotes SFM by integrating it into national policies and encouraging local community involvement. However, more effective governance structures are needed to balance the goals of forest conservation and community development2. Scholars have emphasized that the forest governance system is crucial for the success of sustainable forest conservation and for securing the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities3. Forest governance encompasses the norms, institutions, and processes that determine how power and responsibilities over forest resources are exercised, how decisions are made, and how forest dwellers participate in and benefit from the management of these resources4. The outcomes of local-level forest governance depend on the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of local policymaking and decision-making processes, as well as how power and authority are exercised locally. To achieve the goals of REDD+, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity enhancement, and improved rural livelihoods, effective forest governance is essential.
Key success in SFM in Ethiopia. The government has recognized and given policy priority to the importance of SFM, including dry forests. In Ethiopia, the concept of forest landscape restoration (FLR) is understood to include activities that restore ecological and productive functions of degraded forests and agricultural landscapes along the forest farm continuum to better support human wellbeing now and in the future5. Generally, the most important state led FLR initiatives aimed at reducing forest and land degradation in Ethiopia include engaging communities in the management of state-owned natural forests through participatory forest management (PFM), assisting natural regeneration in degraded lands by excluding human and animal interference through the establishment of area enclosures/enclosures (AEs), and mobilization of communities and engaging them in soil and water conservation works and tree planting campaigns through sustainable land management programs and the recent Green Legacy Initiative (SLM-GLI) to promote tree planting and increase national forest cover. PFM is a generic term for different initiatives like community-based forest management, collaborative forest management, and joint forest management. It has been a dominant feature of forest governance in the tropics since the 1980s. One of the standout successes in Ethiopia's SFM journey has been the active involvement of local communities. Initiatives such as the PFM approach empower communities to take charge of their local forests, resulting in improved conservation outcomes and enhanced local economies. The Ethiopian government's commitment to the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, has led to the planting of billions of trees across the country. This ambitious program has significantly contributed to reforestation and the restoration of degraded lands, showcasing Ethiopia's dedication to combating climate change. The establishment of robust policies and legal frameworks aimed at sustainable forestry has facilitated the transition towards SFM. The country has implemented the Forest Sector Development Program (FSDP), which outlines clear strategies for sustainable forest governance and management. Collaboration with international organizations and NGOs has brought essential funding and expertise to Ethiopia's SFM initiatives. Such partnerships have enriched local capacities and fostered knowledge sharing, enhancing the overall effectiveness of SFM practices.
The introduction of PFM in Africa in the 1990s was associated with the movement to decentralize and devolve forest management. In many African countries, PFM took different forms as it needed to consider the diversity of social and biophysical contexts in promoting sustainable management of forests. As PFM has been proposed as a successful management approach, international donors, intergovernmental organizations, and international initiatives such as REDD+ are now targeting PFM to achieve the global goals of forest conservation6.
PFM in Ethiopia, while demonstrating success in improving forest cover and livelihoods, faces challenges related to uneven participation, weak government support, and institutional capacity. Despite these hurdles, PFM has positively impacted forest resource management, income diversification, and poverty alleviation, particularly for low-income households.
Although the PFM has acknowledged potential and has made positive contributions to biophysical forest condition outcomes, its outcomes for local forest communities and institutions are an area of concern because they have been burdened by poor governance systems7. Most PFM projects in Ethiopia have been initiated and supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs)1, and when such projects are phased out, most operational activities decline due to a lack of incentives. In addition, a study conducted in Tanzania and Ethiopia showed that local villagers consider nearby forests as their source of firewood, medicine, building materials, and fodder for their local use, but the REDD+ project considers the global plan of climate change mitigation to mostly ban some of the local uses.
Ethiopia made the largest FLR commitment in Africa when it pledged to restore 15 million hectares of degraded lands in 2016. This is in addition to the plan to manage 7 million ha of forests and woodlands as part of its Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy enacted in 2011. The strategy aims to make Ethiopia a middle-income country by 2025 and to build a carbon-neutral economy by 2030. It also aims to guide and support initiatives that would enable the country to better adapt to the impacts of climate variability and change Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy. The sum, that is, 22 million hectares, reflects what we see as the official announcement made by Ethiopia during the 2014 New York Declaration on Forests. Sustainably managing existing forests and woodlands and establishing new forests through afforestation and reforestation were identified as priorities of the government in its recently updated nationally determined contribution (NDC).
Despite some successes, several challenges hinder the full realization of SFM management (SFM) in Ethiopia. Unsustainable agricultural practices, urban expansion, and infrastructure development contribute to deforestation. Limited financial resources and technical expertise create significant barriers to effectively implementing SFM. Many local communities seek access to the tools and knowledge essential for SFM. To address these pressures, a multi-faceted approach is required that balances economic development with environmental sustainability. Unclear land tenure systems can lead to conflicts over forest resources, resulting in mismanagement. Strengthening land rights and ensuring equitable access to forest resources are critical for achieving SFM. While there are effective policies in place, the capacity for implementation and coordination among different sectors can be weak. Tackling land tenure and resource rights is crucial for empowering local communities and promoting sustainable management practices. Additionally, addressing poverty and creating economic opportunities for communities is vital for ensuring their cooperation in forest conservation efforts. Forest and land restoration present significant opportunities for improving forest health and ecosystem services. Employing new technologies and methods, such as remote sensing and forest assessment tools, can further enhance forest management.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s journey toward SFM is significantly shaped by the principles of PFM, showcasing both remarkable successes and ongoing challenges. The achievements in engaging local communities, fostering reforestation efforts, developing inclusive policies, and building strong partnerships are inspiring milestones. However, we must come together to address the obstacles that impede our progress. A collaborative approach that brings together government bodies, local communities, and international stakeholders is vital for effectively overcoming these challenges. By prioritizing participatory practices, we can ensure that Ethiopia’s forests thrive and are protected for future generations. Let us embrace sustainable strategies that align our goals for economic development with environmental care, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous future for all Ethiopians. |
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| ISSN: | 2308-3867 2308-3859 |