Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources at Hawassa University, in collaboration with Ethiopian Forest Development and Farm Africa's multilateral collaborative project, "Harnessing Forest and Ecosystem for Climate-Nature-People Triple Win (HARNESS), organized a consultative workshop on the need and benefits of synergizing MRV, FKMC, and LCTS of Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources (WGCFNR), Hawassa University, with both government and non-governmental stakeholders.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Teshale W/Amanuel, Dean of the college and the president's delegate, who emphasized the advantages of collective strategic action in the era of international competition and efficient use of resources. He mentioned that Hawassa university is in the process of transitioning to autonomous research university while celebrating its golden jubilee where strategic partnerships like the longstanding collaboration with Ethiopian Forest Development (EFD), Farm Africa, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ethiopia, SOS Sahel Ethiopia, Oromia Region's Environmental Protection Authority and others are vital. He appreciated the years of fruitful collaborations that helped in realizing the establishment of centers of excellence at the college, MRV, FKMC, and LCGTS, putting it at an advantageous position to serve the national interests and compete globally. He welcomed the proposal to synchronize these centers and pledged continued support from the university management.
His Excellency Mr. Kebede Yimam, Director General of EFD, delivered a key note speech where he underscored that WGCFNR is a national treasure that deserves upgrading to globally competitive institution in the forestry and natural resources management sector. He stated that all stakeholders including EFD and HU need to work closely on ways that produce capable workforce to deal with the timely advanced technology, advanced research and data management, and professionals who can change data into actionable knowledge to avoid dependence on foreign professionals. He called on all stakeholders to work in sync to empower this national treasure and support and follow up its progress closely.
The proposal to synchronize separate efforts of NGOs, Federal and local governments, financial institutions, research and academic institutions to realize the national goals and priorities of forest sector in Ethiopia was presented by Mr. Feyissa Assefa, Program Manager of Farm Africa. He presented what HARNESS Project is geared towards achieving four outcomes, 17 outputs, 70 activities under the theme of Triple Win Result Chain (Reduced and reversed deforestation and ecosystem degradation and enhanced climate resilience).
The college dean also presented the plans of transforming forest development decision making through integrated knowledge chain, linking Landscape Change Tracking System (LCTS), Measurement, Reporting and Verification
(MRV), and Forest Knowledge Management Center (FKMC). Dr. Teshale highlighted that the integration of these centers would lead to collection and storage of landscape data, turn it into verified evidence, create actionable knowledge, and finally provide policymakers with ways to make informed decisions.
A plenary discussion followed the presentations that highlighted the need to empower WGCFNR and the need for the college to commit to its upgrading and global influence. The discussion emphasized that HU management should take advantage of the strong collaborations with several institutions seriously and work towards consolidation of a competitive operation.
It was also underscored that the college and all stakeholders shall work on a strong communication and promotion strategy because it's as important as the implementation of the project for better understanding, visibility and international competetiveness.
