Sustainable water, sustainable lives
Empowering local communities around Lake Tana
Through the inclusion of underrepresented groups like women, youth, and indigenous minorities, the MSP aims to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making processes - photo: Philipp Schütz
The Lake Tana Watershed in northwest Ethiopia is a vital resource for millions, providing drinking water, agricultural irrigation, food, energy, and transportation. However, the region faces severe ecological strain due to rapid population growth, intensified land use, climate change, and industrial activities such as textile production, tanneries, and large-scale farming. These pressures lead to eutrophication, declining fish populations, invasive water hyacinths, and deteriorating water quality, threatening the livelihoods of millions in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. Despite various localised efforts to maintain water quality and access, the area had been lacking a comprehensive, coordinated action plan involving all relevant stakeholders.
Since 2019, NABU Ethiopia has been implementing a Multiple Stakeholders Partnership (MSP) project to align the interests and efforts of local actors. This governance structure engages regional politics and amplifies the voices of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and indigenous communities, while focusing on environmental conservation and generating sustainable livelihoods for the local population.
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Sustainable fishing practices and the introduction of aquaculture aim to address declining fish stocks and provide additional income to local households - photo: Philipp Schütz
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Inadequate waste disposal and the increasing use of disposable products are issues in the region - photo: Philipp Schütz
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Excessive logging and unsustainable agriculture practices lead to the loss of soil quality and quantity, causing erosion and siltation in the lake - photo: Bruno DʼAmicis
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Agriculture is highly relevant to the region, particularly the cultivation of Teff for the staple food Injera - photo: Bruno DʼAmicis
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Capacity development of the local population and amplifying their traditional knowledge will guarantee a participative and long-lasting impact in the region - photo: Bruno DʼAmicis
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Lake Tana is known for its unique biodiversity: Here, two hippos swim along the shore of the lake at sunrise - photo: Bruno DʼAmicis
New initiative for environmental conservation and sustainable economic development
Building on the success of the MSP from the Water for Life project, the new initiative "Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Economic Development of the Region" began in August 2023. This project aims to strengthen and improve the dynamic of the MSP for building regional circular economy, resource conservation, and generating sustainable, nature-based income for the population of the biosphere reserve in a participatory manner.
The project recognises that current and future sustainability goals of the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve can be achieved through collaboration within a needs-based network of various stakeholders. By strengthening the capacities of MSP actors at all levels and mobilising stakeholders to increase project ownership and sustainability, the project will implement pilot measures for ecosystem restoration, creation of sustainable income sources, eco-friendly fisheries, management and sustainability systems, as well as circular economy and waste management. Ultimately, the Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance will be institutionalised, strengthening the partnership and serving as a guide and inspiration for resource use and sustainable living.
![[CLICK TO ENLARGE] Overview of the governance structure in the Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance Multiple Stakeholders Partnership (MSP) - graphic: NABU](/imperia/md/nabu/images/sonstiges/grafik/240704-grafik-projekt-msp-ltsa-nabu-1306x763.jpeg "[CLICK TO ENLARGE] Overview of the governance structure in the Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance Multiple Stakeholders Partnership (MSP) - graphic: NABU")
[CLICK TO ENLARGE] Overview of the governance structure in the Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance Multiple Stakeholders Partnership (MSP) - graphic: NABU
Lake Tana
Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, supplies 50 percent of the country's fresh water and supports millions of people. Its surrounding wetlands, swamps, and lagoons are home to rare bird and fish species, making it a crucial hub of biodiversity. The lake's rich ecological and cultural significance underscores its importance to both the environment and local communities.
Learn moreProject facts
Project title
Lake Tana Stakeholder Alliance for Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Economic Development of the Region
Country / Region
Ethiopia / Amhara / Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
Period
August 2023 to February 2027
Partners
NABU Ethiopia
Sponsored by / Supported by
The project is supported by NABU e.V. and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
With this project we are contributing to the following SDGs
SDG1, SDG5, SDG6, SDG11, SDG12, SDG13, SDG14, SDG15 and SDG17
RELATED PROJECT
Water for Life
The largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, is a source of life for 4 million people in the region. Over the course of the last decade, however, the consequences of increased industrialization and development have been posing a threat to this vital water supply. more →
related topics
Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
The shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia's largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile, are home to an ancient cultural heritage and unique biodiversity. Lake Tana is of immense ecological value and provides the means of existence for millions of people. more →
Regional Development
NABU promotes sustainable regional development worldwide. Our international projects always include income-generating activities, which comprehensively address all three dimensions of sustainability - balancing economy, ecology and social equality. more →