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The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: Ethiopian experts hail China's ecological conservation, urge deeper cooperation
by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian experts have lauded China's extraordinary achievement in transforming from ecological fragility to environmental leadership, calling it a practical model for addressing climate change and land degradation. They argue that China's experience, coupled with deepening Sino-Ethiopian cooperation in ecological conservation, offers valuable lessons for Ethiopia as it pursues ambitious environmental goals amid mounting climate challenges. Aberu Tena, chief executive officer of Green Legacy and Plantation Forest under Ethiopian Forestry Development, told Xinhua that the two countries' ecological cooperation has matured into a robust and highly effective South-South partnership, "successfully transitioning from high-level agreements to tangible ground-level projects." Tena identified technology transfer as a cornerstone of the collaboration, with Ethiopia benefiting from Chinese expertise in combating environmental challenges, particularly desertification. He cited satellite remote sensing for monitoring land degradation, advanced water-saving irrigation methods, and dune stabilization techniques as transformative technologies now in active use. According to Tena, Chinese experts have conducted training workshops for Ethiopian officials, technicians, and researchers, focusing on building local capacity in sustainable land management. Pilot zones have also been established to adapt China's successful ecological restoration schemes, such as the Kubuqi model, to Ethiopia's diverse highland and lowland conditions. Tena stressed that the ecological cooperation extends beyond desertification control, forming an integral part of a broader green development relationship with "tangible and transformative outcomes" across sectors vital to Ethiopia's sustainable future. Renewable energy is another major success, complementing Ethiopia's climate-resilient green economy strategy and its goal of carbon-neutral growth. "Chinese financing and technology have been instrumental in developing Ethiopia's vast renewable energy potential, particularly in hydropower and wind energy," Tena said. He also highlighted the flagship Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway as a "green transport corridor" that significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to road freight, demonstrating how economic development and environmental sustainability can advance hand in hand. Reflecting on China's "remarkable reversal of desertification" achieved through decades of unwavering, state-led policy, Tena said the experience underscores the importance of sustained political commitment beyond short-term cycles. He also praised the "well-coordinated and integrated" nature of China's reforestation and rehabilitation efforts, which "align seamlessly with broader national objectives and are supported by targeted scientific research and interventions." Bitew Shibabaw Abate, chief executive officer of Forest Products Utilization and Law Compliance under Ethiopian Forestry Development, described China's approach as "unique and globally exemplary," crediting its success to the seamless integration of science, policy, and mass mobilization. He emphasized the country's strong reliance on scientific research to develop plant species adapted to local environments and praised Chinese experts for their dedication and openness. "The enthusiasm of the Chinese researchers, scientists, and experts stationed at different sites, who were eager to share their experiences and practical insights with us, was remarkable," Shibabaw said. The expert called for more concrete strategies to elevate the China-Ethiopia ecological partnership, particularly in policy-making, financing, innovation, and environmental governance. Noting the ecological diversity shared by the two countries, Shibabaw said Ethiopia's varied landscapes provide "fertile ground" for applying China's proven conservation, rehabilitation, and reforestation strategies. "This shared ecological diversity creates a natural laboratory for collaborative problem-solving," he said.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Feature: How an Ethiopian entrepreneur turns fungus into fortune?
by Xinhua writers Habtamu Worku, Liu Fangqiang ADDIS ABABA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- In the highlands of Ethiopia, a local entrepreneur's fascination with mushrooms has sparked a surprising culinary movement, reshaping local diets and creating new economic opportunities. Mikias Tadesse, 29, recalled how his mushroom curiosity turned his life around, from a truck driver to a successful mushroom farmer, ultimately promoting a culinary change in Ethiopia. Tadesse's curiosity began about three years ago upon his first encounter with a fleshy cluster of sprouted mushrooms in the backyard of a Chinese road construction camp in a remote village in southern Ethiopia. "Intrigued by a sight foreign to my Ethiopian culinary experience and out of curiosity, I decided to try a mushroom dish prepared by the Chinese chefs. To my surprise, I really enjoyed the dish," said Tadesse. Tadesse also found the vast potential of mushrooms to diversify Ethiopia's culinary landscape and bolster food security, thanks to their ease of cultivation and quick harvest cycle. He then discussed the idea of starting mushroom cultivation with his Chinese colleagues. "Their response was immediate and very encouraging. They fully supported my business idea and promised to assist me in this new venture." "From the very beginning, the Chinese agricultural experts have been the lifeline of my mushroom farm. They provided me with extensive technical knowledge through hands-on training and material support, including quality spawns that are necessary to navigate the delicate process of fungal cultivation," he said. Tadesse's biggest challenge, however, was the public's unfamiliarity with mushrooms in Ethiopia. "I faced major market resistance because most people simply did not see mushrooms as food," he said. "Even though I knew some restaurants and hotels in Addis Ababa served dishes with mushrooms, I had to visit nearly every supermarket and hotel to promote my products. Initially, I received countless rejections and skepticism," he recalled. After many attempts, his persistence finally paid off. Despite the minimal demand from their customers, some supermarkets agreed to stock his mushrooms. During the first six months, Tadesse often retrieved nearly half of the mushrooms from their shelves after three or four days. Gradually, he started to notice the growing demand for mushrooms as the orders from his partner supermarkets increased. Buoyed by growing demand, he expanded his farm to four mushroom cultivation sheds, each spanning 250 square meters. Today, the young entrepreneur cultivates vibrant Yellow mushrooms, King Trumpets, and Oyster mushrooms. "Though our farm produces an average of 50 kg of different varieties of mushrooms and has 12 dedicated workers, we are struggling to meet the growing demand," Tadesse said. Although he has found success in mushroom cultivation, he remains deeply grateful to the Chinese experts. "Their support forms the foundation of our farm and business. From securing premium Chinese spawns to providing cutting-edge technical knowledge and tools, their assistance has been transformative." Zheng Aibao, 59, who specializes in mushroom cultivation, is among the eight Chinese agricultural experts working in Ethiopia. "This is my third time in Ethiopia. I am glad to see the mushroom cultivation method introduced by Chinese experts is taking root in five farms in the country," said Zheng. As for Tadesse, his long-term goal is to deepen his knowledge of mushroom cultivation and start exporting processed mushrooms. "I believe that with coordinated efforts from both government and private sectors, mushrooms will end up on more dinner tables across Ethiopia and really help add variety to what people eat," Tadesse said.
