Environmental conservation activities in Tigray serving dual purpose

Addis Ababa, May 31 (WIC) – Melel Melda is a mountain located in Entalo Wajirat woreda of the Tigray regional state. Five years back, the mountain was among the most degraded landscapes in the region. In 2008, a group of youths organized themselves under an association and contacted the local administration to rehabilitate the barren mountain.

Following five years of conservation work done by the youths, the mountain has now regained its natural resources. Besides its contribution in maintaining the natural environment, the youths are also earning income by growing various kinds of fruits.

Members of the association said that their livelihood has been changing for the better ever since they embarked on the environmental conservation work.

Similar environmental conservation activities underway in various parts of the Tigray region are serving various income generating purposes apart from their positive environmental impact.

A case in point is Hiwot bee hiving association in eastern zone of Tigray. The 13-member association which currently owns 36 modern beehives produces 45kgs of honey annually from each beehive.

An official with the zone, Teklay Gebru said ongoing environmental conservation activities in the zone have helped increase honey productivity. Some 63 thousand modern beehives have already been distributed among farmers in the zone, he added.

Local officials say that the environmental conservation activities in the region are serving environmental and economic purposes.