Czech Republic reiterates commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s endeavors on climate change

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2024 (FBC) – The Czech Republic will continue to assist Ethiopia in enhancing its climate resilience through sustainable landscape management, stated the country’s ambassador to Ethiopia.

A professional forum titled “Enhancing Expert Partnerships to Strengthen Ethiopia’s Climate Resilience through Sustainable Landscape Management” was held today.

The event, organized by People in Need in collaboration with the Czech Embassy in Addis Ababa, brought together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to tackle the urgent challenges posed by climate change and its impact on natural resource management.

This forum serves as a platform for collaboration, focusing on developing sustainable solutions to Ethiopia’s environmental issues.

It aims to demonstrate how partnerships can leverage expertise, resources, and technology to enhance the country’s resilience against climate change.

Speaking at the occasion, Czech Republic Ambassador to Ethiopia, Miroslav Kosek emphasized the Czech government’s commitment to engaging with Ethiopia on development cooperation.

“This event provides an opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: adapting to climate change and protecting landscapes for future generations,” he stated.

He highlighted that climate change is not only a global priority but also an urgent challenge that requires immediate action.

“Ethiopia has been a priority country for our development cooperation. We are dedicated to building sustainable solutions through partnerships involving key stakeholders.”

The ambassador affirmed that we must continue to innovate and work together to assist Ethiopia in facing these challenges.”

Mitiku Ayele, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the significant challenges Ethiopia faces related to climate change, deforestation, and land degradation.

“We gather here not only to celebrate our collective achievements but also to confront the formidable realities of natural resource management and climate change,” he said.

Mitiku noted that Ethiopia has launched various programs to combat these issues, including the Green Legacy Initiative, which was introduced by the Prime Minister in 2019 to address deforestation and promote tree planting.

According to a report by local news agency ENA, this initiative has helped increase Ethiopia’s forest coverage to 23 percent through collective efforts.

The government seeks development partners and collaboration from the private sector and civil society, he added.

Organizations like People in Need (PIN), supported by the Czech government and other donors, have made significant contributions through initiatives focused on sustainable land management.