DPM stresses urgency of modernizing hydrometeorological interventions approach in East Africa

Addis Ababa, November 4, 2024 (FBC) — Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh called for urgent modernization of hydromet services in East Africa to mitigate the effects of climate change, as the defining challenge of this time.

The Deputy Prime Minister also underscored that Ethiopia’s climate action through its Green Legacy Initiative (GLI) is yielding significant results with positive impact in neighboring countries.

A two-day Hydromet Conference organized by the Ministry of Water and Energy convened today under the theme: “Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative: The Imperative for Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Region.”

This Conference brought together different stakeholders to explore pathways for deeper collaboration and increased regional synergies to improve hydromet and early warning services in Ethiopia and East Africa, it was indicated,
Opening the conference, Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the need for regional cooperation and bold climate action to ensure sustainable development.

According to him, climate change is the defining challenge of our time, adding that It doesn’t matter where you live, its impacts are clear.

“Africa, especially East Africa, bears a heavy burden. Our region has faced this reality for far too long. Droughts and floods have become a part of our existence. But we’re not here to just talk about challenges. We’re here to take action. To recognize that while the climate is changing, our response can change too.”

Ethiopia has been taking bold steps since 2018 after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the Green Legacy Initiative.

“It was a statement to the world. It was a declaration that we refuse to be passive in the face of this crisis. Planting 50 billion trees by 2025—it’s not just a symbolic gesture. It’s about changing the trajectory. And it’s about doing so together,” the Deputy PM underlined.

The initiative has already yielded significant results, including increased forest cover, reduced deforestation, and improved water resources.

“Over the last six years, we’ve already planted 40 billion trees. Think about that for a moment. Forty billion trees—that’s more than just numbers on a page. That’s forests restored, soil protected, water preserved. It’s about safeguarding the very land we walk on,” he underscored.

To this effect, the Green Legacy Initiative has already resulted in remarkable achievements including Ethiopia’s forest cover that has grown to 23.6, deforestation is down and soil erosion has slowed.

“And most importantly, we’re seeing the benefits in our rivers, in our water basins. Groundwater recharge has increased. Flooding has decreased. This is what progress looks like,” he noted.

But this isn’t just an Ethiopian story, he said, “Our rivers cross borders. Our actions have a ripple effect. When we manage our water resources effectively, we don’t just secure our own future—we contribute to the stability and prosperity of our neighbors. And that’s what leadership is about—lifting up those around you.”

Noting that it’s not enough to celebrate the past achievements, Thenesgen stressed the need for keeping moving forward.

“We need to modernize how we approach hydro meteorological interventions. Early warning systems must be reliable, data must be shared, and cooperation across borders is essential,” he said.

It’s not just about responding to disasters—it’s about preventing them before they happen, the Deputy PM said, adding that science has to be our guide. “Research and innovation have to be at the heart of our strategies. That’s why we’re here today—to learn, to share, and to strengthen our approach,” he added.

“Today, we will dive deep into the impacts of the Green Legacy Initiative on our water resources. We’ll explore new ideas, new solutions, and new collaborations. Because the truth is, none of us can tackle this crisis alone. It takes partnerships. It takes commitment. It takes vision.”

The Ethiopian Hydromet is a platform for regional collaboration, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange on IWRM-WaSH, hydrometeorological and early warning services to build greater climate resilience in the region, according to ENA.