Haramaya University officially launched a project under the title of Dhengego Model Tree Based Restoration Project and conducted Training of Trainers (TOT) for Zone and Woreda Experts on March 11-13, 2021at the Main Campus Resource Center.

The project is expected to be implemented in selected rural Kebeles of East Haraghe Zone.

During the workshop, Professor Mengistu Urge, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Mr. AyalewTakele, Deputy Administrator of East Haraghe zone made opening speeches. Both officials emphasized on the multi-faceted nature of land degradation and its resulting consequences on human wellbeing as well as the development of the nation.

The project fund was secured from the Federal Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission, it was indicated.

They also appreciated the initiation of the project and the decision made by the federal EFCCC for financing the project. Both officials confirmed the commitment of their respective offices in providing all the necessary supports at all levels of the project implementation.

According to Dr Tesema Toru, staff member of School of Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences and Coordinator of the Project Dhengego Model Tree Based Restoration Project, a team together with Community Development Works Directorate had also conducted a three days TOT training for zonal and woreda experts.

The training topics, presented by members of the University,  include Oromo indigenous knowledge and practice in natural resource conservation in Hararghe context, human nature and natural environment from psychological perspective, deforestation, forest degradation, and restoration, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and economic valuation, soil and water conservation technologies and water harvesting and geospatial technologies.

Besides a field visit was arranged to the project area to familiarize training participants with the selected site.

On the closing ceremony of the training workshop, Mr. Solomon Estifanos, associate dean for College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, emphasized that the project and the College will give the necessary supports.