Environment

Protecting the environment preserves biodiversity and revitalizes pastoral lands

Nena Terrell/USAID

The effects of climate change, a lack of access to reliable and affordable sources of energy, and increased competition for limited natural resources threaten to undermine Ethiopia's potential.

By incorporating environmental issues into its work within Ethiopia, USAID strives to develop initiatives that make improvements in multiple sectors and promote sustainable development. For example, USAID supports the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to improve water supply in rural communities and achieve universal access to sanitation by incorporating water, sanitation and hygiene activities within its health, education, economic development and agriculture, humanitarian assistance, and democracy, human rights, and governance programs. USAID programs also support biodiversity conservation in some of the remaining natural forests and the revitalization of rangeland productivity in pastoral areas.

Biodiversity

As a result of USAID’s ecotourism program in Ethiopia, 20,000 hectares of land have been officially demarcated as biodiversity conservation areas. In conjunction with deforestation, poor management of land and water, and depletion of key ecosystems, loss of biodiversity has contributed to Ethiopia’s change in climate, food insecurity and conflicts. USAID works with community members and target beneficiaries to familiarize them with their roles and responsibilities in biodiversity conservation. In doing so, USAID demonstrates that protecting areas of biological significance has long-term benefits for the economy and natural resources.

Global Climate Change

Climate change is a key factor in reducing poverty and improving nutrition through inclusive agricultural growth. Historically, Ethiopia has been prone to extreme weather variability, from erratic rainfall and droughts to severe floods. The effects of climate change on an already fragile environment mandates investments in adaptation and natural resource management. USAID supports the Government of Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy by improving analytics, information-sharing, and government and community adaptation efforts. Additionally, USAID builds on already existing natural resource management and conservation agriculture approaches, as well as supporting other innovative activities.