Mr. Abdeta Robi, IUCN Ethiopia Representative and BIODEV 2030 Coordinator, outlined the objectives of the workshop and presented the expected outcomes.

In his welcome message, Dr. Karta Kaske, Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, pointed out that one of the ways we must follow to ensure our country’s food sovereignty is to conserve and sustainably use our own biodiversity. He added that our biodiversity is the basis for developing technologies to increase agricultural productivity.

 He also mentioned that this is a time when there are favorable conditions to discuss and take practical steps to protect our biodiversity, and that the sector has received the attention of our Honorable Prime Minister, which makes us fortunate.

In his opening speech, Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, stated that Ethiopia is recognized internationally as one of the 25 mega biodiversity hotspots and is the center of origin and diversity for crop plants. It is also home to two of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots, the Eastern Afromontane and the Horn of Africa.

 He emphasized that combating climate change and biodiversity loss while improving the lives of communities are interrelated goals. He expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the workshop, stating that the workshop will create a conducive environment for creating opportunities that promote integrated development by placing biodiversity conservation at the heart of the agenda.

Dr. Bikila Workneh, Dean of the College of Natural and Computational Sciences at Addis Ababa University, presented a document titled “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in the Agricultural System of Ethiopia, in the context of sustainable production” which was discussed.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, and Dr. Karta Kaske, Director General of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, and appropriate responses were given to the questions raised. Finally, the workshop concluded with the setting of next directions.