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.

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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

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Eco-Home Built for £600k Hits Market at £3.25m — But Utility Bills Are a Breeze

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An environmentally friendly home featured on Grand Designs, originally constructed for £600,000, is now available for sale at an astonishing £3.25 million — yet offers a benefit many property owners would love to have: completely free heating costs.

The Underhill House in the Cotswolds was showcased on the popular show or Featured on the successful series, Underhill House in the Cotswolds or Underhill House located in the Cotswolds appeared in the trending program Channel 4 highlighted when it was celebrated as England's initial officially recognized Passivhaus dwelling – indicating it is virtually sealed against air leakage and does not necessitate traditional heating systems.

A six-bedroom home, excavated into a slope so as to remain nearly hidden from the nearby landscape, was constructed by architects Helen and Chris Seymour-Smith in 2010.

The spacious house was sold for £1.4 million in 2012 — over twice what it originally cost to build — and is once again available for sale at £3.25 million.

However, although the listed price might cause many purchasers to be surprised, the operational expenses are remarkably minimal.

The home is constructed in such a way that it retains warmth extremely effectively, eliminating the necessity for traditional heating systems.

No radiators are present; instead, heat generated by sunlight, equipment, and individuals indoors is distributed via a ventilation system called an MVHR.

The present proprietor, Glenn Jones, expressed feeling "extremely confident" in his highly efficient residence as he didn't have any expenses to cover.

A university research published in 2014 stated: "Glenn mentioned that their electricity costs are zero because of the solar panels installed on the rooftop."

Apart from that, the only expenses are £300 per year for firewood and a new filter for the MVHR system every six months.

Amidst increasing gasoline prices, Glenn said, 'I feel incredibly comfortable.'

It appears that even though they didn’t intend to purchase a Passivhaus, Glenn and his family remain satisfied with the advantages of residing in one.

Adjacent to a renovated 300-year-old Cotswold stone barn, Underhill House lies in the preserved landscape along the boundary of Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, close to Barton-on-the-Heath.

It was formerly inhabited by a shepherd and was said to have belonged at some point to Roger Taylor, the drummer from Duran Duran.

Mr. and Mrs. Seymour-Smith shared with Grand Designs their need for an innovative approach to satisfy hesitant Cotswold planners—renovating the barn and concealing the family residence beneath it.

Back then, the concept was explained as excavating a pit bigger than an Olympic-sized swimming pool beside the barn, followed by placing the family residence within it.

Later, Mrs Seymour-Smith referred to the idea as "loft-style living beneath the surface."

The completed home was constructed using well-insulated concrete and covered with thick insulation, featuring large walls equipped with three-layer glass windows.

Grand Designs mentioned that the heat recovery system maintained an indoor temperature of approximately 20°C, even during colder months.

In 2010, the Seymour-Smith residence allegedly set the highest level of air tightness ever recorded in Britain. The overall leakage from the whole home was likened to an opening as small as a squash ball.

As snow descended, the home was said to remain cozy within—while snow accumulating on the exterior of the windows remained unmelted for four days.

Ms. Seymour-Smith stated that they didn’t desire "a penitential green house with compost toilets," but rather something "clean-cut, contemporary, white, and distinctly not Cotswold."

The construction was monitored by Kevin McCloud for Grand Designs, yet contrary to several of the program's most notable ventures, it didn't result in catastrophe.

Later, Mrs. Seymour-Smith humorously remarked, "I wasn't pregnant, and we didn't run out of funds."

After choosing to pursue another venture, the couple sold Underhill, which involved restoring a Grade II listed home in the same village.

The secret ecological house features six bedrooms, five bathrooms, five living areas, a movie theater, and occupies half an acre of land.

Rightmove lists: 'Underhill House is among the most significant privately built residences in terms of architectural and environmental importance within the English countryside.'

Created, developed, and constructed by architects Helen and Chris Seymour Smith from 2008 to 2010, it gained global attention as England's initial verified Passivhaus, establishing a fresh standard for eco-friendly country architecture.

The home is situated in a remarkable location below and next to a renovated 300-year-old Cotswold stone barn inside an area recognized for its extraordinary natural beauty close to Barton-on-the-Heath.

A fireplace can sometimes be utilized to warm water throughout the winter, yet when sunlight is available, 1,000 yards of rubber tubing installed in the roof allows water to capture solar heat and achieve temperatures up to 100°C.

The list goes on: "Temperature and indoor air quality are managed through an MVHR system (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery), which removes heated air from kitchens and bathrooms, cleans it, and uses the recovered heat to warm the new incoming fresh air."

'Solar thermal technology mounted on the southwest side of the barn’s roof mainly supplies hot water, supplemented by either the wood-fired stove or an electric heating element.'

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Tuvalu PM: Climate-Stricken Islands Deserve Compensation from Polluters

TOKYO - Prime Minister Feleti Teo from Tuvalu, a small island country in the Pacific threatened by rising seas caused by climate change, stated during an exclusive conversation with the Mainichi Shimbun on June 5 that the ICJ's advisory ruling in July 2025 confirming each country’s duty to tackle climate change was “a significant accomplishment.”

He emphasized that island nations, which emit very little greenhouse gases but face severe impacts from climate change, "must receive compensation for the losses we have incurred."

Teo went to Japan to participate in the Island Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Tokyo from June 3rd to 4th.

The ICJ view describes climate change as an "urgent global issue threatening every form of life," suggesting that countries not taking steps might face legal consequences. The UN General Assembly, which includes 193 members, also passed a resolution in May 2026 backing this perspective with significant approval.

Teo stated, "The discussion seems to have moved from ethical responsibilities to a legal obligation." He contended that nations which contribute to global warming should offer assistance or "face consequences for their role in triggering climate change."

Even though the ICJ advisory opinion and the UN resolution do not have legal force, Teo stated that they may "serve as the foundation for a future agreement" aimed at creating enforceable global actions.

Concerning the U.S. government under President Donald Trump's choice to exit the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, Teo stated, "This represents a significant step backward." He mentioned that "nations such as Tuvalu have consistently turned to the U.S. for guidance," and further noted, "I trust that leading nations like Japan and various European countries can persuade the U.S. to... reconsider their present approaches toward climate change."

Describing the adoption of renewable energy as "a major priority," Teo stated, "We hope that Japan will assist us in achieving greater energy security."

The government of Tuvalu has been elevating coastal areas and implementing additional measures to address climate change, alongside developing strategies to transfer the country’s administrative operations, cultural aspects, and national identity into an online virtual environment called the metaverse. Teo referred to this approach as “preparing for the worst possible situation,” noting that one aim is to maintain Tuvalu's independence as a digital state should its actual landmass be lost.

(By Kosuke Hatta, Japanese version, Editorial Department)