A Norwegian supported programme in the Bale Region seeks to address problems of deforestation. Photo: Øystein Nedrebø/Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa

Eco-Progress in Bale Mountains

Last updated: 30.04.2010 // The Bale Mountains harbour a unique fauna and flora which includes a large percentage of Ethiopia’s endemics, such as the Mountain Nyala and Ethiopian Wolf. Norway is one of three development partners supporting the Bale Eco-Region Sustainable Management Programme (BERSMP) in southern Oromia.

The Mountain Nyala is endemic to the Bale Mountains. Photo: Øystein Nedrebø/Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa

On 23-27 April the Embassy visited the BERSMP, a project funded by a donor-consortium consisting of the Netherlands, Ireland and Norway. The visit was hosted by Oromia Forest and Wildlife Enterprise (OFWE) and implementing NGO partners Farm Africa and SOS Sahel. The programme, which is ongoing from 2006 to 2011, has an overall budget of € 6 million, of which Norway contributes € 2 million (NOK 16 million, ETB 36 million).

The programme entails a comprehensive approach and includes a wide range of activities. Planned outputs fall within the categories of eco-region planning, capacity building, natural resource management and conservation systems, sustainable livelihoods, sustainable financing, and policy formulation.

Programme Officer Kidanemariam Jembere and Trainee Øystein Nedrebø from the Norwegian Embassy got to meet inhabitants of the Bale region who are receiving training in Participatory Forest Management and engaging in sustainable livelihood activities such as production of honey, coffee, essential oils and bamboo products. By providing information about the benefit to preserve vegetation and encourage livelihoods diversification, the programme seeks to hinder deforestation and at the same time promote social and economic development in the region.

The programme offers training in production of bamboo furniture to unemployed youth. Photo: Øystein Nedrebø/Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa

Among potential sources of sustainable financing of central programme activities is carbon capture funding mechanisms such as the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) framework.

The BERSMP runs its activities in close collaboration with government partners and supports policy formulation processes. Relevant outputs include publication of best practices and policy briefs, exchange visits, policy dialogue and lobbying.