Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake and supplies 50% of the country's freshwater. It is shallow, with an average depth of just 8 meters, and scattered with thirty-seven low-lying islands. Over the centuries beautiful Ethiopian-orthodox churches and monasteries have been built on these islands and on the lake's shores. These have provided the small patches of sacred forest surrounding them with protection, forming islands of biodiversity and an invaluable natural retreat for indigenous plant and animal species. Wetlands, swamps and lagoons surround the lake. These are home to wetland plant species such as papyrus, as well as providing a habitat for rare bird and fish species.
The Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve was officially inaugurated during a two-day event at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on the 3rd and 4th of December 2015. Please find the official press release here.
NABU has officially opened the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve together with the Amhara Regional Government. High-ranking guests took part in the event in Bahir Dar, the regional capital on the shores lake Tana. more →
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 industrialisation and development have been posing a threat to this vital water supply. more →
NABU supports the creation, establishment and effective management of protected areas as part of our international activities. A special emphasis lies on UNESCO biosphere reserves, however, not exclusively. more →
UNESCO biosphere reserves are natural or cultural landscapes serving as model regions for sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are particularly well suited to balancing exploitation by humans and nature conservation efforts on a sustainable basis. more →
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 →
