On April 12, 2025, EBI successfully conducted an Inception workshop for the project titled “Restoration and Conservation of Threatened and Endemic Fabaceae Species in Ethiopia”, for stakeholders in Bishoftu, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

The Inception Workshop was welcomed by H.E. Dr. Abiyot Birhanu Deputy DG of EBI and opened by a keynote speech by H.E. Dr. Karta Kaske Director general of EBI. He emphasized Ethiopia is a global biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic plant species that are not only ecologically fundamental but also critical for livelihoods, ecosystem stability, and scientific discovery. However, both anthropogenic and natural pressures threaten many of these species, making our work urgent and essential. In spite of these challenges, the country has taken a number of actions by initiating and implementing a Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy and Green Legacy initiative.  In addition, as a signatory to the UN CBD, Ethiopia has committed to protecting biodiversity and integrating it into economic development strategies.

The project will facilitate in-situ conservation, restoration activities, public awareness as well participate in provision of horticultural fruit seedlings and the like for diversification of alternative livelihoods for women, poor, unemployed youth and persons with disabilities around the project sites. By these, mobilize efforts for revising harmful approaches, promote the implementation of sustainable practices, and ultimately reduce pressures on biodiversity, He called on all regional centers, experts, and stakeholders to fully support and implement the project for its successful impact and completion to provide all the necessary support.

The Director General sincerely thanks Franklinia Foundation for its generous financial contributions to support Ethiopia’s conservation and restoration efforts.

During the workshop, detailed presentations were provided on key aspects of the project, including its significance, objectives, major issues, and its outcome. These presentations were delivered by Samson Shimelse (PhD) the project Coordinator, and the focal points of the implementing centers and partner organizations (Harer BD Center, Bahirdar BD Center and Experts from Minjar Shenkora Woreda and Researchers from EBI head quarter) also presented some progresses on the activities of the project.

The event featured remarks by Professor Zemede Asfaw and Dr. Mulugeta Kebede, From Addis Ababa University, who underscored the transformative potential of the project in the conservation, awareness creation and livelihood diversification and encouraged all stakeholders to actively contribute to its implementation.

Dr. Melesse Maryo, Former DG of EBI, Dr. Feleke W/Yes Former DDG of EBI  also raised constructive comments emphasizing to take these steps towards restoring ecosystems, safeguarding unique species, and building a future where biodiversity thrives. Moreover, to use this opportunity to forge stronger networks, inspire action, and contribute meaningfully to Ethiopia’s biodiversity conservation goals. Similar suggestions and comments were given by senior scientists and executive officers of EBI; Dr. Misikre Tessema, Dr. Demeke Datiko, Dr. Tesfu Fekensa, Mr. Girum Faris and Mrs. Etifwork Zewdu. All participants reaffirmed their commitment in supporting the project’s practical implementation and application.

The Inception workshop forum highlighted the collective efforts required for the successful implementation of the Franklinia foundation supported project and to enhance in-situ conservation efforts, drive community and environmental change, and realize transformative results in the implementation sites.

The workshop opened the room for discussion and participants raising questions and provided suggestions, which were addressed by Dr. Samson and the DG and DDGs. Their feedback will be incorporated into supportive documents to strengthen the implementation and ensure its success.

The event was concluded with a closing remark from Dr. Karta Kaske, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in successful implementation of projects and extend their acknowledgment repeatedly for the funding organization, Franklinia Foundation. The DG also congratulated the teams at EBI, especially to all staff of Training, Consultancy, Project support and Monitoring Lead Executive office including those in study leave abroad for their efforts in drafting and advancing this project to this stage.