Wondo Genet College of Forestry & Natural Resources (WGCFNR) at Hawassa University concluded a capacity building training on Geospatial Data Acquisition, Management and Analysis in collaboration with Oromia Environmental Protection Authority (OEPA) to support the implementation of Landscape Change Tracking System (LCTS) across Oromia Regional State conducted under the REDD+ Investment Program (RIP) on August 12, 2026.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Teshale W/Amanuel, Dean of WGCFNR, stated in his welcome speech that the college highly appreciates its valued partners such as the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Farm Africa, SOS Sahel, Oromia Environmental Protection Authority, Ethiopian Forestry Development and REDD+ for their continued collaboration in sustainable forestry sector development programs over the years. He pointed out the college’s readiness to capitalize on its capacity in integrating forestry data acquisition, knowledge management, and implementation in terms of policy and practice by strengthening the existing resources and collaborations further.
Deputy Director General of OEPA, Ato Bona Yadessa, on his part appreciated the college’s unreserved efforts and continued support to advancement of technology and staff capacity building trainings supported by research to strengthen forestry development and environmental protection efforts of Oromia regional government over the years. He remarked that the regional government is determined to work hand-in-hand with both the university and NGOs to ensure sustainable national development and mitigate challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
Trainees presented highlights of their practical training at the college in implementing LCTS developed by WGCFNR in collaboration with Farm Africa pointing out that they have acquired technical skills and knowledge to collect land use and forest coverage data, manage it for accuracy and analyze the data collected with better confidence.
Ato Debella Tesfaye, Head of REDD+ Investment Program (RIP) in Oromia region, said in his closing remarks that the staff capacity building training will immensely contribute to their efforts of natural resources management and carbon marketing across the region and beyond.
