A forum for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners was held on March 19, 2024, at the Pyramid Hotel in Bishoftu.

Dr. Feleke Woldeyes, Deputy Director-General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, delivered the opening speech, while Dr. China Williams and Dr. James Borell from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, presented their ideas.

Professor Sebsebe Demissew from Addis Ababa University presented a document titled “Progress towards Identifying Tropical Important Plant Areas in Ethiopia,” and Dr. James Borell presented “Identifying Hotspots of Agrobiodiversity in Ethiopia: Unifying Wild and Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation.”

Other presentations included “Payments for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services as a Mechanism to Fund Agrobiodiversity Zones” by young researcher Bezawit Genanaw and “Opportunities to Use OECM to Support Ethiopia Working Towards the 30X30 GBF Target” by Dr. China Williams and Miss Sophie Jago. Professor Sebsebe Demissew also presented “Celebrating Completion of Red Listing All of Ethiopia’s Endemic Flora.”

A group discussion was held, and a report was presented. Dr. Feleke Woldeyes emphasized the need to utilize all available options to enhance biodiversity resources and called for collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.