A delegation from Tottori University, Japan, has visited Hawassa University to explore potential collaborations in the area of natural resource management on December 12, 2024.

Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research & Partnership at HU, warmly welcomed the visitors where he explained that their area of research coincides with one of the top priorities of the nation and the university. He has also emphasized Ethiopia’s longstanding collaboration with the Japanese government on various projects and expressed Hawassa University's strong interest in partnering with Tottori University.

Dr. Tafesse has noted the university’s on-going transition to an autonomous research university and its dedication to addressing priority areas such as sustainable natural resource management which is a pressing national challenge.

Prof. Nigussie Haregewoyn from Totori University presented an overview of past and ongoing research activities in Ethiopia undertaken in collaboration with different partners such as IPDRE across Ethiopia on natural resource management, especially on mitigation of global soil threats and policy alignment; integrated landscape management through SLM partnership, and more.

It was concluded that this visit has marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the two institutions, with a shared vision of addressing natural resource management challenges through research and innovation.