Bahir Dar University (BDU), through its BDU-IUC project in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, launched a seedling planting initiative

(Bahir Dar University, July 25, 2025)

Bahir Dar University (BDU), through its BDU-IUC project in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, launched a seedling planting initiative in the area around Zenzelma Kebele, Dewol Got (near Batalemariyam Church), within Bahir Dar City Administration. Members of the university community and local residents participated in planting various seedlings to rehabilitate degraded lands.

Dr. Alemu Abate, Vice Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, stated that one of the college’s responsibilities is to restore severely eroded areas using indigenous plant species. He also emphasized the long-standing tradition of the church in promoting the planting and protection of trees. “When the college selects this site, it does so with the belief that the seedlings will be well cared for,” he said.

Dr. Habtamu Asaye, a lecturer at the college, explained that the BDU-IUC project, in collaboration with the college, has been undertaking various physical rehabilitation activities on degraded lands. As part of this ongoing effort, the team worked alongside the local community and the church to plant seedlings using scientifically supported methods. The initiative aims to develop a green corridor stretching from the university to the church area. The green space within Zenzelma, including areas beyond the university compound, will be carefully maintained.

Ato Abeje Bere, an expert in knowledge and technology transfer at Bahir Dar University, stated that the main goal of the day's activity was to continue the ecological rehabilitation work that began during the winter. The effort covers a 1.8-kilometer stretch, and tree species planted include Woyra, Habesha Tsed, Gravelia, Decerens, and Gesho—all carefully selected by experts from the Natural Resources Management Department. Despite the dry season, the planting and maintenance activities were carried out successfully. Mr. Abeje added that most of the trees were planted near the church, where they are expected to be cared for with a sense of community ownership.

The pilot site, established in July 2023, is managed under a sub-project of the BDU-IUC initiative, which focuses on building climate-resilient ecological systems in partnership with the college. The site serves multiple purposes: offering practical learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, facilitating research on local natural resource management, and demonstrating various ecological rehabilitation techniques.

Led by Melake Lelu, principal administrator of Batalemariyam Church, and teacher Asfaw Wudu, the local community has committed to supporting the effort. With material and professional assistance from the BDU-IUC project and the college, they are implementing both physical interventions (such as check dams) and ecological measures (including the planting of grasses and indigenous trees) to restore the land.