GLI Bringing Displaced Wildlife Back Home, Authority Says

Addis ababa: The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA) says Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is restoring degraded ecosystems, enabling displaced wildlife to return to their natural habitats while improving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience across the country.According to Ethiopian News Agency, EWCA Director General Kumara Wakjira highlighted the visible environmental gains achieved through the nationwide tree planting campaign in areas where vegetation has been restored. The initiative has played a significant role in preserving biodiversity, restoring ecological balance, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.Kumara mentioned that protected areas and wildlife habitats, including Lake Abijatta Shalla National Park, are showing signs of recovery. Bird species that had disappeared from the area have been observed again, and new animals like the Kola Agazen are being repopulated in Lake Abijatta. The restoration of forests and vegetation is recreating natural habitat s for wildlife and allowing ecosystems to recover.The director general also emphasized the initiative's contribution to restoring critical water resources. He explained that Lake Abijatta, whose water level had fallen dramatically in previous years, is gradually recovering, with surrounding wetlands showing significant improvement. Environmental restoration efforts have also reduced the frequency and severity of wildfires in the Semien Mountains, helping protect one of the country's most important ecosystems.Kumara noted that habitat destruction remains a significant threat to wildlife in Ethiopia, stressing that forests and natural vegetation provide essential shelter and food for animals. By rehabilitating degraded landscapes and expanding forest cover, the GLI is rebuilding wildlife habitats and creating conditions for biodiversity to flourish.Since its launch in 2019, Ethiopia has planted more than 48 billion seedlings, increasing its forest coverage from about 17 percent to 23 percent while reinfor cing its commitment to environmental protection and climate action.