Sustainable water, sustainable lives

Empowering local communities around Lake Tana

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. 

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. 

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