Ethiopia’s environmental leadership praised as a haven for migratory birds and model for global conservation

Addis Ababa, October 29, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s exemplary environmental protection efforts and its growing role as a refuge for migratory birds have drawn international praise, with India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, describing the country’s conservation initiatives as a global model.

The Ambassador commended Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and biodiversity, highlighting landmark programs such as the Green Legacy Initiative, which has seen billions of trees planted nationwide to restore degraded ecosystems.

“Ethiopia is blessed with diverse climatic conditions — from the Danakil Depression, the lowest point on Earth, to its lush highlands that receive abundant rainfall,” Ambassador Rai said. “If we see it in totality, Ethiopia is doing quite a remarkable work in conserving its natural resources.”

He noted that India admires Ethiopia’s achievements in natural resource management and confirmed that both countries share a firm commitment to environmental protection under their existing cooperation frameworks.

The Ambassador further praised Ethiopia’s sustained attention to tree survival rates and affirmed that initiatives such as Green Legacy will bring transformative results in the coming decade. “The movement for bringing greenery to all parts of this country is remarkable,” he added.

Ethiopia’s leadership in conservation also contributes to its reputation as a safe habitat for migratory birds. According to the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), more than 100 migratory bird species travel thousands of kilometers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa to Ethiopia each year, particularly to the Rift Valley lakes including Abijata and Shala, where they stay from October to May.

Wildlife researcher Mihret Haji explained that out of the world’s estimated 10,000 bird species, about 4,000 are migratory. “The birds begin arriving in large numbers from December and remain for months until May before returning to their original habitats,” he said.

However, EWCA Director General Kumera Wakjira expressed concern that rapid urban expansion and agricultural development are increasingly threatening wetlands that once served as resting grounds for migratory birds, particularly around Bishoftu. He stressed the need for urban development policies that ensure the safety of bird habitats and biodiversity.

Ambassador Rai also acknowledged that Ethiopia’s efforts to protect the Rift Valley lakes have been vital in preserving these ecosystems as havens for migratory species. He added that India is working closely with Ethiopia within the BRICS framework and through initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance, launched in 2021 to promote global wildlife protection.

This year’s World Migratory Bird Day was celebrated at Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park, reaffirming Ethiopia’s dedication to conservation and environmental stewardship — values increasingly recognized and shared by international partners.