The Threat of Deforestation

Introduction


In Ethiopia deforestation is a serious problem resulting in environmental degradation, drought and famine. Over the years several national and international experts have discussed the issue extensively at various forums. Numerous studies have been made and countless papers produced.

Over a decade ago, Ethiopia, cognizant of the seriousness of the problem issued Proclamation No. 94/1994 to provide for the conservation, development and utilization of forests. Regardless of the good intentions of this and other similar proclamations produced previously, deforestation is still taking place at an alarming rate. Although all the discussions held, proclamations issued and various studies conducted on deforestation and environmental degradation are relevant and useful, they however, should not be taken as ends in themselves.

Due to the absence of adequate action to tackle the problem, deforestation continues to strip the land of its soil and the people of their souls and spirits. Millions of Ethiopians have been exposed to drought and famine for years and numerous human and animal lives have perished. This has in turn negatively affected the country’s economic and social development placing it in the category of the poorest countries in the world.

Every year of inaction to reforest the deforested land and conserve the environment, results in compounded devastation in subsequent years. To reverse this trend, it is important to take concrete, well planned and systematic actions by planting new trees and conserving the existing forests. The land/soil is the basis for all human activities. It is the source of food, raw material and life itself. In Ethiopia, where about 85% of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood, soil and water are precious and essential commodities. A land devoid of forests is a land devoid of soil, water and life.


Main Causes of Deforestation in Ethiopia


  • Rapidly growing population (over 80 million at present) has increased the demand for firewood and other forest products. The Ethiopian population grows at 3% annually. 
  • Lack of public awareness about the devastating effects of deforestation and the need for reforestation.
  • Man made and natural fires.
  • Unemployment resulting in illegal tree cutting.
  • Lack of alternative sources of energy.

Major Consequences of Deforestation


  • Soil erosion and the subsequent decline in agricultural production have resulted in famine, which has claimed the lives of numerous people, livestock and wildlife.
  • About 100 years ago, 40% of the country had forest cover.  Today, only 2.5% of its land is covered with forests.
  • According to the Environmental Protection Authority of Ethiopia (EAP):
    • Some two million hectares of land has become irreversibly barren.
    • Annually, over 144,000 hectares of afforested land is destroyed.
    • Close to two billion tons of soil are eroded every year.
  • Wildlife, that has escaped death, is forced to flee to neighboring countries for a refuge there by creating potential negative impact on the country’s tourism industry.
  • Deforestation has contributed to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thereby exacerbating global warming.

The Corporation's Plan


  • RGIC plans to plant over a million trees annually in collaboration with farmers.
  • It will launch reforestation campaign and distribute equal number of tree seedlings to farmers and villagers surrounding the reforestation sites.
  • In order to carry out its plan, the Corporation will forge partnership with local and international donors, who are interested in solving the problems posed by deforestation and global warming.