At a workshop to establish a new Environment and Forestry Research Institute in Ethiopia, participants heard about the need to promote indigenous trees, practice integrated land management and coordinate reforestation efforts.

All Africa reports that the new institute will conduct research into areas including agroforestry, plantations, forest product utilization and protection, climate science and environmental pollution management.

Dr Wubalem Tadesse, Institute Director, outlined during the workshop how the institute would work hard to redress problems of deforestation and soil and aquatic pollution through efficient technologies, such as the use of fast-growing species and the proper use of non-timber forest resources.

Belete Tafere, Environment and Forest Minister, explained how the institute had been established in order to undertake research of benefit to the nation in an integrated and consistent manner.

"If we continue to strengthen capacity and coordinate efforts, the forest and environment sector could potentially contribute towards alleviating most of the current challenges related to forest, climate change, and other natural resource management,” said Belete.

The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forest together with German development organization, GIZ.

Read the full story: Ethiopia: More Plantation for Increasing Wood Need