The SUNCASA initiative has demonstrated that restoring damaged natural resources is achievable with dedicated effort

Haramaya University recently conducted a field visit to the SUNCASA (Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa) project, which is implemented in collaboration with the Hararghe Catholic Secretariat, Dire Dawa City Administration, and their partners to mitigate flood risks in Dire Dawa.

During the visit, Haramaya University’s management team reviewed the ongoing activities supported by the project.

The SUNCASA initiative, designed by Haramaya University and funded by the Government of Canada, the World Resources Institute, and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), aims to rehabilitate the Dengego Mountains. It is implemented jointly by Haramaya University, Hararghe Catholic Secretariat, and Dire Dawa City Administration.

Project coordinators guided the university delegation and stakeholders through several key interventions, including the restoration of the Dechatu River basin, seedling planting along major roads, and the development of a model public green park near the Dire Dawa Airport.

Professor Mengistu Urgie, Haramaya University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and representative of the University President, noted that the project was established to reduce flood risk in Dire Dawa, with essential support from international partners. He emphasized that the university is closely monitoring the project and believes its success will set the stage for similar future initiatives.

Professor Mengistu highlighted the promising progress in the rural kebeles of Dengego, Harela, and Ijeaneni, suggesting these areas could serve as valuable learning sites post-project. He also pointed out the potential for eco-tourism development in the Dengego region, given its proximity to Djibouti, should appropriate infrastructure be established.

Dr. Asfaw Kebede, the project’s technical head and a lecturer at Haramaya University, shared that after one and a half years of implementation, significant achievements have been made. These include afforestation of the flood-prone Mount Dengego, agroforestry interventions, riverside rehabilitation, environmental beautification along roads, and the creation of a community green park. Additionally, six manuals and guidelines have been developed to assist professionals involved.

Dr. Asfaw reported that over four kilometers of tree seedlings have been planted along the Sabian to Melka road, with an 85 percent survival rate, and 80 percent of the total planned seedlings have been planted on Mount Dengego.

He added that a 1.7-hectare community model park is underway at the entrance of Dire Dawa Airport. The project has also generated employment for approximately one thousand people across four operational centers who work to maintain the project’s interventions.

The initiative focuses on planting climate-resilient, fruit-bearing tree species to benefit the local community, distributes modern beehives, and offers training to enhance livelihoods. Community members have shown strong support by recognizing the tangible benefits realized.

Moreover, the project team is developing a computer-based monitoring system to support long-term natural resource conservation and provide valuable data for city administration use.

The project team expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, particularly Dire Dawa City Administration for their cooperation, and Haramaya University’s senior management for their continued support, urging ongoing collaboration to ensure the project’s success.

At the Hararghe Catholic Secretariat office, SUNCASA Project Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator Mr. Mathews Belayihun explained their joint efforts with Haramaya University in rural development activities in Harla, Eja Aneni, Legebira, and Adada kebeles. He noted that over one million saplings have been planted, restoring 600 hectares of barren land and delivering capacity-building training.

Ms. Rediet Tasew, the Secretariat’s Gender Expert, highlighted that although the project planned for 51 percent female employment, actual participation exceeded 85 percent. She emphasized the project’s transformative impact on women’s livelihoods, savings, and educational opportunities for their families, complemented by targeted awareness and support programs.

Several female beneficiaries, including Mrs. Rumia Mohamed, Mrs. Anisa Abdo, and Mrs. Dehabo Elias, shared their satisfaction with the project’s positive effects on their lives.

The Haramaya University management team engaged with project coordinators during the visit, raising questions and providing feedback for ongoing improvement.

The Dire Dawa SUNCASA Project is a collaborative effort among Haramaya University, Dire Dawa City Administration, and the Hararghe Catholic Secretariat, supported financially by the Canadian government, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

Reporter:- Aweke Ayalneh

Photographer:- Foad Ahmed Ali

Haramaya University Public & International Relations Directorate

Tags: Climate Resilience, conservation efforts, damaged resources, dedicated effort, Ecological Restoration, ecosystem recovery, environmental sustainability, natural resource restoration, SUNCASA initiative, Sustainable Development