Joint seminar held between Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on the theme of “Biodiversity resources for agriculture and food systems transformation-challenges and opportunities for sustainability” on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at EBI head office. 

Welcome remark delivered by Dr. Feleke Woldeyes, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute.

The opening remarks for the seminar were delivered by Prof. Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Dr Melesse Maryo, Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI).

Dr. Melesse Maryo, Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute Presented “Ethiopian’s Biodiversity landscape”, “The role of Genebanks for agriculture and food systems transformation” by Dr. Alemayehu Teressa, Forage genebank manager of ILRI and “Ethiopian’s food systems transformation landscape” presented by Dr. Namukolo Covic, ILRI Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia and CGIAR Country Convenor for Ethiopia.

Panel discussion held by Panelists Dr. Feleke Woldeyes, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Dr. Alemayehu Teressa, Forage genebank manager, ILRI and Dr. Tesfu Fekensa, Animal Biodiversity Research Lead Executive Officer of EBI.  

Reflections were also delivered by Dr. Abiyot Berhanu, Director, Genetic resources ABS Directorate of EBI, Dr. Gemedo Dale, Associate Professor, Addis Ababa University and Dr. Andre Van Rooyen, Principal Scientist and ICRISAT Country Representative to Ethiopia. 

MoU signed by Dr. Melesse Maryo the Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and Dr. Namukolo Covic, ILRI Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia and CGIAR Country Convenor for Ethiopia.

Closing remark delivered by Dr Melesse Maryo the Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and the seminar closed.