Technology and philosophy

Showing posts with label environmentalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environmentalism. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Nation Unveils Roadmap and Land Accountability Report for Economic Growth and Climate Resilience

Addis Ababa, June 30, 2026 (ENA) – The National Capital Accounting (NCA) Strategy for Ethiopia and the first edition of the Land Account report were unveiled today.

The Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) Strategy of Ethiopia incorporates natural resources—including land, woodlands, and water—into the nation's economic planning process; this initiative creates a strong structure for evaluating the long-term viability of the country's economic growth.

Another document, Ethiopia's First Edition Land Account, serves as a key achievement in support of the nation's efforts toward climate resilience. These accounts illustrate changes in land use and land cover through the application of satellite images, geographic information systems (GIS), and uniform data categorization.

It has been reported that they are anticipated to establish a physical and economic foundation which enables governmental bodies to monitor the effects of extensive land management initiatives, afforestation efforts, and programs aimed at achieving land degradation neutrality.

At the launch event, Bereket Fesehatsion, State Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development, stated that the occasion goes beyond simply unveiling two significant reports. It also represents a reaffirmation of a common national objective rooted in data-driven policy formulation, prudent management of natural resources, and a strong dedication to shaping a future where economic growth and ecological balance move forward together.

The land records of Ethiopia will not be the final ones, as institutional capabilities grow and methodologies advance, leading to an enhanced comprehension of the country's total resources, he stated.

He stated that data itself isn't enough to bring about change; successful implementation depends on collaboration. The State Minister emphasized the importance of unified action from all involved parties—government agencies, the business community, non-governmental organizations, research bodies, educational institutions, and global development allies—to work together on this common initiative.

He emphasized that together, we must make sure these reports influence policy, direct investments, and affect decisions at all levels.

Acknowledging the advancements made shows what can be accomplished when organizations work together with clear objectives and mutual dedication, Bereket mentioned that the Ministry continues to strongly support integrating natural capital accounting into the core of Ethiopia's planning processes.

Head of World Bank Operations Juliana Victor stated, in her view, that these initiatives would hold substantial importance for safeguarding and maintaining natural resources.

She pointed out that these launches demonstrate a more robust strategy for growth.

"Natural capital hasn't been adequately considered in our economic choices, and when nature isn't accounted for, it tends to be underappreciated and exploited. Once it's devalued, it becomes difficult to incorporate. Therefore, the roadmap will also assist in addressing this issue," the manager stated.

As she mentioned, this accomplishment highlights several years of collaboration, institutional growth, and technical assistance within the World Bank's local and sustainable development program consulting and analysis initiatives.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Lake Chad Basin and AfDB Unveil Major Initiative to Revive the Shrinking Lake

Last May, the African Development Bank Group, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (CBLT), and the commission’s five member nations initiated a $10 million technical assistance initiative aimed at preparing the necessary investments to revive the environmental and economic roles of Lake Chad and enhance the durability of life for millions relying on its resources.

The Project for Technical Assistance in Restoring the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT) supported by the African Development Fund, along with extra funding from the CBLT which covers 10% of the project’s overall expenses, aims to increase understanding of the basin's water resources and strengthen their management.

At the start of the project initiation workshop, Passalet Kanabé Marcelin, Chad's Minister responsible for Water and Energy and currently leading the CBLT Council of Ministers, highlighted that the Lake Chad region plays a crucial role for millions of individuals, with their daily lives closely tied to access to water, farming activities, fishery, and animal husbandry.

PARFEBALT is a technical support initiative, yet primarily, it focuses on preparing for what lies ahead: its objective is to enhance understanding of water resources, upgrade management practices related to water and ecosystems, and establish the prerequisites needed to secure financing for an impactful regional investment strategy. Minister Marcelin mentioned, emphasizing the critical role of the initiative in addressing the cumulative impacts of climate change, environmental decline, and increasing demands on limited resources.

Participants at the workshop examined technical reports that will inform upcoming investments within the basin. These studies aim to explore methods for enhancing water flow in the Chari-Logone and Komadougou-Yobe river systems, which supply the majority of Lake Chad’s incoming water, while considering environmentally sound approaches to increase the lake's water levels. Additionally, they will analyze ecological, climate-related, economic, and societal aspects to determine the most effective strategies for revitalizing the region.

Acknowledging the increasing effects of climate change, the initiative aims to create a regional early-alert system to enhance predictions of floods and droughts, as well as implement advanced technologies for modeling and managing water resources. These actions will offer CBLT member countries more accurate information to shape their water management strategies and boost community resilience.

On behalf of the African Development Bank Group, Francis Dogo, the Country Manager for Chad, emphasized the critical need to address long-standing environmental damage within the region.

Lake Chad, among Africa’s major sources of fresh water, has experienced a substantial reduction in its size over the past few decades, decreasing from 25,000 square kilometers in 1960 to approximately 2,500 square kilometers at its lowest points, though there have been some improvements recently. Dogo said.

He pointed out that frequent droughts and flooding, excessive use of natural resources, disputes between agriculturalists and livestock keepers, and instability still pose risks to the region, emphasizing that improved cross-border water administration is crucial for promoting regional unity, improving food safety, and strengthening community endurance.

Attendees concurred that the research and instruments created within the PARFEBALT initiative would set the stage for attracting significant funding to revive the lake's water systems, rejuvenate farming, animal husbandry, and fishing activities, lessen populations' susceptibility to climate-related disruptions, and support peace in an area inhabited by over 40 million individuals.

The seminar ended with suggestions aimed at improving dialogue regarding the initiative to aid funding acquisition, speed up the implementation of national contact persons, bolster the Technical Monitoring Committee through added top-tier knowledge, and improve methods for tracking and assessing the project.

Stressing the African Development Bank's ongoing dedication to the project, Dogo stated: "We have an obligation to achieve success, and we will accomplish it."

© 2026 African Development Bank. All rights reserved. Published by AllAfrica Global Media (Ants).

Tagged: Economy, Business and Finance, Central Africa, Oceans and Rivers, International Organizations and Africa, Environment, External Relations

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).