Ethiopia has reaffirmed its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action at the 11th BRICS Environmental High-Level Senior Officials Meeting held in Brasilia, Brazil. Engineer Lelise Neme, Director General of the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), led the Ethiopian delegation at the forum.
During the meeting, Engineer Lelise emphasized Ethiopia's dedication to sustainable development, environmental protection, and building resilience against climate change. She stressed the critical need for coordinated efforts among BRICS nations to tackle pressing environmental challenges, including pollution prevention, ecosystem conservation and restoration, climate adaptation, and the sustainable management of resources. She argued that these actions are essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable development alongside economic growth.
Engineer Lelise highlighted several key initiatives spearheaded by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Notably, she showcased the Green Legacy Initiative, a massive reforestation campaign that has seen the planting of nearly 40 billion trees since 2019, aimed at restoring landscapes and biodiversity across the country. Other significant projects mentioned include the Riverside Development Project focused on river conservation and pollution control, the Corridor Development Project integrating green infrastructure, waste management, and tourism into urban planning, and the Eco-Tourism Development initiative designed to promote responsible tourism and ecosystem restoration.
Furthermore, Engineer Lelise outlined recent significant updates to Ethiopia's environmental policies. These include the National Circular Economy Roadmap, intended to create jobs and improve waste management, the Solid Waste Management Proclamation aimed at phasing out single-use plastics, and the Ecosystem Payment for Services Proclamation, which incentivizes conservation efforts.
In her address, the Director General also urged for stronger partnerships and collaboration among BRICS members and their partners. She specifically called for enhanced cooperation in areas such as knowledge exchange, the transfer of green technologies, and the mobilization of financial resources to accelerate progress towards achieving global environmental goals.